From the University Agenda

International Sustainability Short Film Festival ended with a glorious premiere

The International Sustainability Short Film Festival, which was organized for the first time in cooperation with Istanbul Gelisim University Public Relations and Promotion Directorate and the Faculty of Fine Arts, ended with a magnificent gala after a three-day program. The festival provided an important platform for young filmmakers around the world to express themselves.

“Sustainability is a common responsibility for all of us”

Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin participated to the gala. Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin drew attention to the university's success in sustainability. He stated: ''This festival was organized as a result of one year of effort and intensive work. I congratulate the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Public Relations and Promotion Directorate. With our sustainability strategies, we implement projects that will provide added value not only academically, but also on business, environment and society. In line with our global vision, we act with innovative methods and collaborations to increase sustainable-oriented social benefit in education, research and art. It is impossible to distinguish the effect of one from the other. While this festival offers different perspectives with its sustainability-oriented theme, it emphasizes the transformation of the world with an artistic expression. As Istanbul Gelisim University, hosting the organization of such a project that increases social value for the first time is very valuable for us and we are aware of our critical role in the future of the world. As a result of the studies carried out by our university by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals, the ‘University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report-2024‘ prepared by YÖK (Council of Higher Education) ranked 1st in the categories of ’energy efficiency investment use‘ and ‘water saving investment per amount of water consumed’ in the field of ‘Sustainability', and 8th in the category of ’Direct carbon footprint per capita'. Sustainability is a common responsibility for all of us. As Istanbul Gelisim University, we will continue to act with the awareness and awareness of our responsibilities in line with the development plans and goals put forward by the Republic of Türkiye. I congratulate everyone who participated.''


 
"This festival is for all of us"

Ahmet Bikiç, Festival Director and Deputy Head of Corporate Communication and Promotion Department of Istanbul Gelisim University, said, "We have left behind a very enjoyable festival process. During the festival, very valuable guests were with us. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the festival, particularly my festival team, on this arduous journey. This festival is for all of us.''


 
Support messages from MPs!

Author Orhan Miroğlu, also 25th and 26th term Justice and Development Party Mardin Deputy and MKYK member participated in the gala. He said, "I am happy to see the point that IGU has reached in the national and international arena on sustainability. I congratulate all the filmmakers who participated in the festival.'' Justice and Development Party Istanbul Deputy Atty. Serkan Bayram, on the other hand, called on young people not to stop fighting and said, "We are always with art and young people."


 
 
Rewards found their owners
Awards were given in the high school and international categories of the festival. Individuals who are entitled to receive awards are as follows:
 
High Schools Category:
Best Screenplay: Injustice – Mustafa Kemal Gülmüş
Best Image: Watercolor – Arda Keskin
Best Director: Mevzubahis-Ozan Uzunoğlu
 
International Category:
Best Screenplay: Nomad – Selim Alan
Best Image: Uncle Ali – Ömür Gürgen
Best Director: The Fence – Ali Zare Ghanatnowi
 
The festival, which was organized under the leadership of Istanbul Gelisim University, received great acclaim by raising awareness on both cinema and sustainability issues. At the end of the gala, Festival Director Ahmet Bikiç announced that the festival will be held again next year.