Frequently Asked Questions
The submissions process has re-opened for the 29th Istanbul International Film Festival. Regarding this process, we tried to answer frequently asked questions. For any further inquiries,
please send us an e-mail!When does the 29th Istanbul International Film Festival take place?
The 29th edition will take place April 3-18, 2010.
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What is the submission deadline?
31 December 2009.
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Is a fee required to enter my work?
No processing fee is required to enter any films.
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Are short films eligible?
No, except for documentaries on a certain theme.
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Where to send the previews?
The preview copies have to be sent to the below address with entry forms and relevant documentation on the submitted film:
International Istanbul Film Festival
Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts
Istiklal C. 64 Beyoglu 34435
Istanbul TURKEY
Tel: +90 212 334 07 00
The packages must be sent pre-paid, and any submissions sent on-collect will not be considered. The tapes and DVDs will not be returned. Please clearly indicate an e-mail for notification.
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In what format do the preview copies have to be?
We accept VHS and DVD formats. Although we prefer to have them in PAL format, we accept NTSC also: Please indicate clearly on your tape the format used. The previews should be full-length and subtitled in English if the spoken language is any other than English. Excerpts will not be considered.
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What screening formats do you accept?
Works selected for screening at the festival must be available on 35mm, miniDV, Beta SP PAL or DigiBeta PAL. We do not accept Beta NTSC, HDCAM or U-Matic tapes.
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How many films can I submit?
As many as you like; though each submitted film must have its own completed entry form and supplementary materials.
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Can I submit my film if previously screened at other festivals?
Yes, except if they have already been released in Turkey.
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When will I hear if my work is accepted?
We notify entrants by e-mail if their submission is successful. We aim to finalise the program by the end of January, but it may take until late-February for the correspondence to reach you because of our volume of work. The discs or tapes sent for submission are not returned.
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How many films do you accept in the festival?
We estimate that the next festival line-up will include about 200 films.
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What are the Festival sections?
International Competition, reserved for feature length fiction or documentary films or animations. Only films with themes on "arts" or "the artist", and literary adaptations are eligible for inclusion in this section. The films in this section compete for the grand prize of the Festival, the "Golden Tulip".
Human Rights in Cinema (competitive) section that comprises both documentaries and features investigating the politics behind social and individual life changes. The films in this section compete for FACE – the Council of Europe Film Award, which comprises a sculpture and EUR 10,000 cash prize.
Turkish Cinema, the National Competition for recent Turkish films.
Films from the Middle East that illustrate a unique perspective pertaining to this region.
The Mined Zone (non-competitive), reserved for feature-length fiction films, which are innovative in style or content, or are works that are "intricate" and outside the mainstream, unconventional and unique.
Young Masters (non-competitive), featuring first or second feature-length works by new directors who received critical acclaim and demonstrated a unique understanding of cinema.
From the World of Festivals, including films shown in other leading festivals, many of which are award-winning.
Documentary Time
Retrospective or tribute sections (non-competitive) paying tribute to a film-maker influential to film history.
The sections of the festival are of course subject to change and new sections can be added to the program as our festival keeps evolving every year.
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Which section is my film going to be screened in?
If your film is selected to be included in the Festival program, we will determine whic section best suits your work.
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What are the international competition regulations?
Feature or animated films (on art and artists, or literary adaptations) with a minimum length of 1,600 m can be selected for the competition.
Films will not be considered if they are already released or shown at a public screening in Turkey, excluding the Turkish entries. (Any screening -film, video, or on-line- which is open to the public is considered a public screening).
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What are the awards given?
At the international competition:
"Golden Tulip Award", as the Grand Prize of the Festival (with no monetary grants)
"Special Prize of the Jury"
"FIPRESCI Award"
"People's Choice Award" determined by the audience votes
Also the Council of Europe Film Award (FACE) is given to a film that raises awareness or interest in human rights issues.
The results are announced at the closing ceremony of the festival. Only films included in the international and national competition sections are eligible for the audience vote.
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