London Turkish Film Festival Background
The London Turkish Film Festival (LTFF) was inaugurated by Vedide Kaymak in 1993, and since then it has been a vital event in the London cultural scene. Vedide has been involved in a variety of arts and cultural activities in London - promoting Turkish culture, programming for MTV’s Turkish channel, and co-producing short film productions. Her project has been facilitated by the energetic support of the Rio Cinema in Dalston and by the encouragement of its general manager, Charles Rubinstein. The supportive role of Film London has also been a crucial factor in the development of the Festival. Now in its 16th year, the festival has grown from a small three-day event to a full-scale film festival over two weeks.
The festival has always had an inclusive approach towards programming. Thus, it has provided a platform in the UK for a new generation of film-makers of Turkish origin who live and work in Western Europe. Indeed, as it has developed, the LTFF has sought to foreground the new kind of transnational cinema that has been proliferating across – and beyond – Europe. The festival has also featured a programme of short films, giving an opportunity to young feature and documentary film-makers.
Over its lifespan, the LTFF has screened nearly 250 feature, and 350 short and documentary films. The festival has also invited nearly 200 guests, including directors, producers, actors, and short film-makers. Panels and discussions have also featured as another key activity of the festival, and have involved a wide range of participants from the international film industry.
At this point in time, the LTFF is aiming to expand and to extend its reach to a wider audience. In order to be able to do this, the festival now needs greater financial support. This year the festival has managed to gain financial support from the Turkish Ministry Of Culture And Tourism.
Over the last decade, young Turkish film-makers, not only in Turkey, but also those living in Western Europe, have found new creative directions, making critically acclaimed films, and winning awards all over the world.
The 16th LTFF promises to be an exciting and ground-breaking event, opening up the new transcultural Turkish cinema to new audiences in a range of venues across London.
