Cinema Schools Student Film Competition at Golden Orange

The difference of this competitive section, organized for the first time at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, from the traditional National Short Film Competition is that the films included in this section are produced by film schools within the framework of their own curricula, competing in their schedules and styles.

Another important aspect will be the opportunity for the students of these schools to meet with film professionals and exchange ideas. Thus, the film industry will be able to discover the students and the students will be able to foresee the methods they will encounter in the art they will work in the future. Many internationally renowned directors have made a rapid transition to the mainstream film industry by making one short film each while they were film students.

In order for cinema to develop in a country, it is necessary to produce and present short films, the essence of cinematic expression, to the audience. The essentials of this field are student films.

Today, rapid developments in electronic and computer technology have brought short films to another platform. It is easier and less costly to make films using digital facilities. The 'online' screening of the prepared product over the WEB has provided easy and fast circulation in the international audience community and has given student films a new identity that transcends the borders of the country.

Since filmmakers can only achieve their goals when their films are screened, the short film must somehow meet the audience. Recent film festivals in Türkiye have encouraged filmmakers with their short film programs and awards, helping to increase the number of such films. Another benefit of festivals is that they enable such films to meet a wider audience. Documentaries and animations have a better chance of being screened on television. In the 21st century, arguably the most popular viewing medium for short films is the internet.

The cinemas of developed countries are full of success stories of filmmakers who enter the mainstream cinema market and shoot their feature films after their short films are screened on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, iTunes, etc. Short film festivals in the US are the main market for Hollywood producers to discover new talents.

In this context, the Cinema Schools Student Film Competition, organized for the first time at the 2024 International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, opens a new door for both students and the film schools where they are trained to access the opportunities mentioned above. I wish success to the participating film schools and their students.

Sema Fener
semafener@antalyaff.com
Cinema Schools Student Films Competition General Coordinator