The 61st International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival kicked off with an opening ceremony held at the Atatürk Cultural Center. During the evening, Honorary Awards were presented to Erdal Özyağcılar, Selçuk Yöntem, Işıl Yücesoy, and Şerif Sezer, while Achievement Awards were given to Farah Zeynep Abdullah and Aras Bulut İynemli.
THE opening ceremony, which began with a stage performance by Serhat Kılıç, was attended by numerous figures from the cinema, television, and music industries. The festival, hosted by Sedef Avcı, awarded the Honorary Medal to actress Saadet Işıl Aksoy. Aksoy received the medal from Erol Sağmanlı, Chairman and Creative Director of URART, and National Jury President Ferzan Özpetek. In her acceptance speech, Aksoy highlighted the issue of femicides in the country, stating, “I stand here with immense pain in the face of the femicides that have taken place. It may be a bit harsh, but this is the reality of our country. I respectfully remember our murdered sisters and wish for justice for all of us.” Aksoy continued her speech by saying:
OUR STORY TOGETHER
“It is a great honor for me to be the host artist of the 61st International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, where our paths have crossed before, either as an actress in selected films or as a jury member. Thank you very much for this unity. Because ‘our story is together’; if we come together, we can share our stories. If we come together, we can discuss our problems. More importantly, as the beloved Ferzan Özpetek says, if we are united, we can pave the way for young filmmakers, bright new talents, and their films.”
HONORARY AWARDS PRESENTED
Later in the evening, the Honorary Awards were handed out. Erdal Özyağcılar, who received his award from Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek, said, “This night is very important for me. This night made me say, ‘Erdal, it’s a good thing you became an actor.’ You have crowned my 55 years of artistic effort. If I were born again, I would do this same profession in these same lands. To those who gave me this award—those in the hall, outside, those who love me—you have given me peace, honor, and hope tonight,” he said.
LONG LIVE ART
Veteran actor Selçuk Yöntem, another recipient of the Honorary Award, received his award from Mehmet Aslantuğ. As he accepted the award, Yöntem said, “I’ve attended this festival for many years, but the pride and joy of this evening are different! Receiving the award from my dear friend is an extra surprise and honor. Long live art!” he said.
Veteran actress Şerif Sezer, who received her Honorary Award from singer Emre Altuğ, said, “I would like to thank all the directors and producers who touched my life on this journey and entrusted me with these beautiful female roles. I would also like to extend my thanks to the unsung heroes of our cinema, the cinema workers. Long live cinema, long live the Golden Orange!”
Veteran actress Işıl Yücesoy, also known for her career as a musician and producer, received her award from her colleague Tuba Büyüküstün, with whom she worked on the TV series “Çemberimde Gül Oya,” a show that holds a significant place in television history.
RECEIVED HER AWARD ON BEHALF OF WOMEN
The Achievement Awards, intended to motivate young and successful actors, were also presented during the opening ceremony. This year, the awards were given to Aras Bulut İynemli and Farah Zeynep Abdullah. Receiving her award from Işıl Yücesoy and CHP Deputy Chairwoman Gülşah Deniz Atalar, Abdullah said, “I had prepared a speech, but my mind couldn’t process it; the current situation is terrible. With your permission, I would like to accept this award on behalf of the women who are trying to exist in this male-dominated system, who are not afraid to speak, who are tired but refuse to give up.”
In the traditional parade held as part of the festival, beloved figures from the world of cinema and television, including Salih Güney, Cihat Tamer, Gülsen Tuncer, Mehmet Özgür, Şahnaz Çakıralp, Kaan Çakır, Burak Serdar Şanal, director Engin Ayça, and National Feature Film Jury member musician Mercan Dede, toured the streets of Antalya by car.
