International Students’ Short Film Festival 2024 Successfully Held in Ankara

The International Students’ Short Film Festival 2024, organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara in collaboration with Ankara University, was successfully held on 09^th December 2024, at Ankara University in Türkiye.

The event brought together over 200 participants, including university students, academics, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and creativity.

The evening commenced with the opening remarks by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Hasanthi Dissanayake, followed by the lighting of the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp, a ritual that usually Turkish public are mesmerized by.

 Ambassador Dissanayake emphasized the role of students as cultural ambassadors and the power of storytelling through cinema to connect diverse communities and enhance understanding across cultures. She also expressed her gratitude to Ankara University for their invaluable support in organizing this event, underscoring the importance of collaboration in promoting cultural diplomacy.

Following the Ambassador’s remarks, a brief introduction of the films was provided, highlighting the themes and the creativity of their filmmakers. The festival showcased a compelling selection of short films created by international students, reflecting a rich showcase of cultures, perspectives, and narratives.

The first section featured films produced in collaboration with YTB Istanbul. The first short film directed by Eranda Mahagamage’s “Belirsiz Nefes” (Uncertain Breath), was a moving story about resilience in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, reflecting on 6^th February 2023 earthquake with the epi centre in Kahramanmaraş. Eranda is a PhD candidate at Istanbul University in Türkiye. The other two films were, “Baba”, directed by Liana Tabgua, which depicted an emotional exploration of familial bonds and “Denizanasi” (Jellyfish) by Holly Mara Göbelez, a thought-provoking commentary on the impact of technology on human relationships. All 03 short films were set in Türkiye and were in Turkish language with English sub titles.

The second section, screened award-winning short films from around the world including “Chanyrak” directed by Aizada Alymbek Kyzy, featuring a heartfelt tribute to ancestral traditions and their intersection with human destiny. “Through Xhelo’s Eyes” by Besa Tusha, was a poignant reflection on the economic and social crises of Skopje, North Macedonia.

“Loving Bill” by Athula Samarakoon, was an intimate biographical documentary exploring a complex relationship with famed author William Faulkner. Athula is a Sri Lankan student studying at the University of Mississippi in the USA. The “Show Boat Sailor” by Chirath De Silva received a special jury award for its unique narrative style. Chirath is a Sri Lankan student who was studying at the Filmakademie Baden- Wuerttemberg in Germany.

The festival was moderated by Gesufrancesco Petrillo and Vega Moqrabi, all students of cinematography in Istanbul. It concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which the audience engaged actively with the filmmakers. Questions ranged, highlighting the participants’ genuine interest and curiosity.

The evening started with a delightful serving of Sri Lankan refreshments, including the world-renowned Ceylon tea, providing an opportunity for informal networking and discussions among the film makers and the audience.

Prior to the event, Ambassador called on the Rector of Ankara University, Senior Professor, Dr. Necdet Ünüvar.

This festival celebrated young filmmakers’ creative brilliance and strengthened the cultural bridge between Sri Lanka and Türkiye. By showcasing diverse voices, the International Students’ Short Film Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on Ankara’s cultural calendar, promising an even more vibrant event in the years to come.