The city of Antalya is preparing to host the 62nd International Golden Orange Film Festival, scheduled to run from October 24 to November 2, 2025. This prestigious annual gathering has long been regarded as a cornerstone event, serving as a vital nexus for the advancement of both Turkish national cinema and the broader global film landscape. The festival’s mission extends beyond mere screenings; it actively fosters critical engagement with contemporary artistic trends and plays a crucial role in cementing cultural ties among international filmmaking communities.
The organizers have meticulously crafted a vibrant and extensive program, reflecting a clear commitment to expanding cinematic horizons and challenging audience perceptions. The centerpiece remains the highly competitive National Feature Film Competition, featuring a strong lineup of twelve Turkish cinematic works vying for recognition. Among the eagerly anticipated entries are «Aldığımız Nefes» and «Bağlar, Kökler ve Tutkular». Complementing this domestic focus, the International Competition will present eleven carefully curated films. The inclusion of these works, sourced from diverse nations across Europe and Asia, underscores the festival’s enduring commitment to its global status and cross-cultural exchange.
In a move designed to provide tangible encouragement to creative professionals, the festival leadership has initiated a substantial financial uplift. The overall prize fund has seen a remarkable increase, soaring from 6.2 million Turkish Liras awarded in the previous season to a robust 9 million Turkish Liras for the current edition. This significant financial injection is intended not only as material support for the artists but also as a powerful statement affirming the rising appreciation and economic valuation of cinematic art. Deputy Mayor of Antalya, Büşra Özdemir, highlighted the event's importance to the region, characterizing the Golden Orange Film Festival as a truly grand cultural celebration for the public.
The timing of the festival’s inauguration carries a noteworthy political dimension, coinciding precisely with the birthday of Mayor Muhittin Böcek. Mr. Böcek had been the municipal head of Antalya since April 8, 2019, although his recent public profile has been complicated by his arrest in July 2025 following serious allegations of bribery. Separately, the program will feature special presentations, including the Turkish premieres of several films that have already achieved significant international success. High on this list is the much-anticipated screening of «Caravan», a production that earned distinction at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Such high-profile screenings are strategically utilized to create a vital link, connecting the local Turkish audience directly with the ongoing global cinematic dialogue and its most recent achievements.
Historically, major cultural events such as the Golden Orange festival consistently demonstrate their power as economic magnets, drawing in excess of 100,000 visitors annually. This substantial influx confirms the festival’s crucial role in boosting the local economy. Beyond the excitement of the competitive categories, the schedule incorporates numerous professional development activities. These include specialized masterclasses and insightful panel discussions focusing on critical topics such as ensuring the sustainable development of the film industry and the practical implementation of cutting-edge technologies, including innovative immersive formats, into modern storytelling techniques.