Bringing together the year’s most talked about films from across the globe, the !f Istanbul International Independent Film Festival runs this year February 12-22, 2009 in Istanbul and February 26- March 1 in Ankara.

Showcasing eagerly anticipated award-winning titles like Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler and the Michelle Williams-starring Wendy and Lucy, the festival is held at the Beyoğlu AFM Fitaş, Caddebostan Budak and AFM İstinyePark movie theatres.

New this year is a themed section which addresses the challenges that face the world called Do It Yourself! Other sections include Fantastic Films, which stars a Mamoru Oshii anime movie The Sky Crawlers as well as Sita Sing the Blues, a humorous take on an Indian folktale. This year’s regional focus is on new Scandinavian cinema, with highlights like Sauna, Back Soon and Involuntary.

Tickets go on sale at the beginning of February. For more details, please see: www.ifistanbul.com.