The eagerly awaited 26th International Istanbul Film Festival has started with the opening gala held at the Lütfi Kırdar Convention and Exhibition Centre on the evening of March, 3Oth.
The opening ceremony of the 26th International Istanbul Film Festival took start with the opening speech of Şakir Eczacıbaşı, the Chairman of the Board of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, the organising institution of the festival.
Cinema Honorary Awards were presented at the opening ceremony, as well as the acknowledgement plaques to the Festival Sponsor, AKBANK; the theme sponsors, Efes Pilsen, Digiturk, NTV, Digiturk, Nokia, Goldaş, Sabah Newspaper and Teknosa.
Cinema Honorary Awards which are annually given to those artists who contributed significantly to the development of Turkish Cinema are presented this year to:
Duygu Sagiroglu who has launched his film career as art director and later secured his place firmly in Turkish cinema directing films that tackle social issues, and who has always maintained his artistic perspective originated from his education in architecture that underlines his sensitive, highly realist approach.
Guler Okten, who has played a crucial role in the success of many important films in Turkish cinema with her strong but tender expression, her unique intonation and beautifully outstanding voice, who has displayed captivating persuasiveness and nuanced acting in supporting roles that mostly have competed with lead roles.
Cuneyt Arkin, who, identified with Turkish cinema in taking on the most leading parts ever, and creating an unequalled on screen persona with his performances in especially action sequences with his stance, look, and voice, and as one of the most basic pillars of Yesilcam, the centre of Turkish filmmaking.
26th International İstanbul Film Festival also welcomed Paul Schrader, the legendary director of famous films like American Jigolo, Cat People, Mishima and Comfort of Strangers. Schrader received the Cinema Honorary Award of the Festival. The latest film of Schrader, "The Walker" will be screened in the Festival
After the opening ceremony, the 26th International Istanbul Film Festival started with the screening of Ferzan Özpetek's film "Saturno Contro / Saturn Opposite" in the presence of the Stefano Accorsi, Ambra Angiolini, Milena Vukotic and Serra Yılmaz.