Bodrum, Turkey's picturesque Aegean coastal town, is set to host the inaugural Bodrum International Film Festival (BIFF) from October 3 to 8, 2025. This significant event builds on the success of the Bodrum Turkish Film Week and CineBodrum Sector Summit, aiming to create a strong cultural bridge between Turkish and Greek filmmakers. The festival's unique dual-nation approach, extending to Kos Island in Greece, highlights a commitment to cultural diplomacy and shared artistic expression, fostering closer bonds between the two nations through cinematic collaboration.
The festival is supported by prominent institutions, including the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Muğla Governorship, and the Municipalities of Bodrum and Kos, ensuring a high-quality event. The program will feature an international competition for feature films and a dedicated Turkey-Greece Cinema Meeting to encourage joint creative projects. Attendees can expect a diverse film selection, encompassing human stories, family-friendly narratives, and critically acclaimed international cinema.
Adding to the festival's prestige, acclaimed director Tony Gatlif will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the opening night, October 4, 2025. Gatlif is recognized for his evocative films that often explore Roman culture and music, themes of love, sorrow, humor, and passion, and has received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career, including awards at Cannes and Locarno for works such as 'Latcho Drom' and 'Gadjo Dilo'.
Screenings will be held at iconic Bodrum locations, including Bodrum Castle, and various other cinemas, with additional events planned for Kos Island. This cross-border initiative aims to deepen understanding and appreciation between cultures, providing a platform for filmmakers, critics, and audiences to connect and engage. The festival's commitment to cultural exchange is further demonstrated by its goal to offer attendees direct interaction with filmmakers and facilitate lively discussions, thereby enriching the overall cinematic experience. The historical relationship between Turkish and Greek cinema, particularly following the 1930 Treaty of Ankara, serves as a precedent for the BIFF's endeavor to rekindle and expand upon these enduring cultural connections.