International Antalya Film Festival ( earlier name, until 2015, – International Film Festival « Golden Orange »; tour. Uluslararası Antalya Film Festivali ) – the oldest and most famous film festival in Asia and the most significant event in the field of Turkish cinema. It is organized by the Antalya Culture and Art Foundation ( AKSAV ) with the support of the mayor of the city.
The festival, nicknamed the Oscars of the national film industry in Turkey, traditionally takes place annually in September – October during the week.
The film festival was based on concerts and theater performances that took place in Antalya at the Aspendos historical theater in the mid-1950s. These festive events were very popular among city residents and eventually acquired a traditional character, and even later they grew into the film festival « Golden Orange », when in 1963 the late Avni Tolunai ( one of the organizers of the ) festival, becoming the head of the city hall, took him under his guardianship. Since 2015, the « Golden Orange » was removed from the name by analogy with leading international film festivals.
The first film festival took place in 1964. His main task was the support and development of Turkish cinema, the promotion of national film producers and the promotion of Turkish cinema to the world level. In 1978, the festival first became international. Until 1985, he was held under the care of the mayor of Antalya, then the Foundation for Culture and Arts became responsible for the festival.
Today, the Antalya Film Festival – is a large-scale event with a world name, annually attracting hundreds of filmmakers and just movie lovers from many countries.
The symbol of the festival – orange ( which not only appears in the coat of arms of the festival, but also gives this event the name ) – the main Mediterranean fruit, along with the sea, a statue of Venus and other historical elements of the region.
As part of the event, premiere demonstrations of films presented by directors from different countries are held. Showing ribbons takes place in several cinemas in the city, as well as on many open-air venues. In total, more than 150 works by famous and novice directors are shown within the framework of the festival.
The international jury of the festival consists of cultural and film figures. The jury members should have nothing to do with the production of any films presented at the festival. The jury determines the winners in the following nominations – Best film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Music, Best Actor, Best Actor, Best Stage Operator, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, The best special effects, Best production artist, Best debut film, Incentive prize Antalya, etc. Also at the festival, several Special Jury Awards and awards are awarded in competitions of documentary and short films.
Winners of each of the nominations receive the « Golden Orange » figurine as a reward. The most important categories also receive cash rewards.
The International Antalya Film Festival – is not only a cultural, but also a secular event, the guests of which at different times were world cinema stars. Therefore, during the festival, master classes of famous directors, meetings with famous people, all kinds of exhibitions and concerts are also held.