The ancient city of Tralleis, located in Aydin, Türkiye, is preparing to host a significant portion of the International Mythology Film Festival on September 25, 2025. The event will take place at the Nevzat Biçer Conference Hall in Efeler.
This inaugural festival will feature a diverse program, including screenings of the children's film "Earwig's Song" and "His Troy," a modern retelling of the Trojan War. Attendees can also look forward to a musical performance by the Swedish duo YoJuliet, known for their mythology-inspired compositions. The festival's exploration of shared human narratives will be further highlighted by a panel discussion titled "The Shared Story of Humanity," featuring prominent professors and the festival director. Writer Özlem Ertan, recognized for her work on Hittite tales, will also share her insights.
All festival events are free to the public, promoting an inclusive cultural experience. Tralleis itself has a rich history, dating back to the 13th century BCE. It flourished as a major center for trade, education, and art during the Roman period, renowned for its sculpture workshops and academic institutions. The city's intellectual legacy is underscored by the discovery of the Seikilos Epitaph near Tralleis, which contains the world's oldest known complete musical composition with notation. Architectural remnants, such as the well-preserved "Three Eyes" gymnasium from the 2nd century AD, further attest to its historical importance.
The International Mythology Film Festival, now in its third edition, is themed "Mythology and Women" and will span across five Turkish cities: Izmir, Manisa, Istanbul, Canakkale, and Aydin. The festival aims to connect myths with contemporary life through an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating film screenings, talks, competitions, and award ceremonies. A new addition this year is a Digital Game Competition, a collaboration with LUGAL Games, which seeks to translate Anatolia's mythic heritage into interactive digital experiences for younger generations.