The Turkish Film Festival presents seven inspiring and entertaining feature films and documentaries across Sydney and Melbourne between the 5th and 16th of July 2017. The jewel of Turkey, the city of Istanbul, is the pulsing heart of the festival lineup, giving audiences the chance to immerse themselves in Turkey’s rich culture and history. The festival’s opening night is on the 5th of July at Palace Cinemas, Norton St with the Australian gala premiere of Rosso Istanbul by internationally acclaimed director Ferzan Ozpetek.

“Turkey has a vibrant cinematic industry with a new generation of exciting and award-winning directors taking to the world’s stage. We have assembled an exciting program in the hopes of strengthening the bonds between Australia and Turkey through the silver screen.” Cenk Baban, Festival Organiser.

Rosso Istanbul is a stylish drama by Ferzan Ozpetek. Ferzan Ozpetek features regularly in film festivals across Australia. This time, he takes us back to the city he was born in, Istanbul, capturing this magnificent city in his own, unique style.

The Water Diviner Stars Are Back

Director Yilmaz Erdoğan and actor Cem Yilmaz, return to Australian screens after their award-winning roles in Russell Crowe’s The Water Diviner. Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts winner Yilmaz Erdoğan offers the period drama he wrote and directed, The Butterfly’s Dream with Cem Yilmaz starring in the crowd-pleasing comedy 61 Days.

Highlights: Australian all female production team’s Istanbul documentary

The delights of Turkish cuisine are brought to life in The Turkish Way. This travelogue film traverses the culinary journey of the three infamous Roca brothers, owners of the internationally top ranking restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca. Here we learn the processes of discovering and harnessing one of the most powerful and ancient cuisines of the world.

Guardians of the Strait is an Australian production directed by Claire Jager. In the Sydney Premiere of this documentary, the Bosphorus Strait – the narrow waterway twisting through the heart of Istanbul – is the star. The cosmopolitan hub of Istanbul will continue to shine brightly in The Eye of Istanbul, the story of Ara Guler, one of the ‘seven great photographers in the world’ as he captures the nuances of the bustling metropolis.

The Turkish Film Festival is presented by the Australian Turkish Mutual Alliance; a not for profit community culture organisation. The festival is sponsored by Transturk Travel in conjunction with Singapore Airlines.

For program details and to purchase tickets head to www.turkishfilmfestival.com.au.