ISLAMABAD: The TRT Humanitarian Film Festival, an annual event organized by Turkiye Radio and Television (TRT) in Istanbul, celebrated its fifth year with a renewed commitment to shedding light on critical global humanitarian issues.
The festival served as an essential platform for filmmakers to address a spectrum of concerns, fostering in-depth discussions and connecting industry professionals with diverse perspectives on topics such as war, conflict, women’s rights, the climate crisis, migration, environmental pollution, hunger, famine, homelessness, and poverty.
At the heart of the festival’s mission was the exploration of stories that emphasized the importance of humanity in the face of adversity. The TRT Special Award, a prestigious recognition, was presented to the film “Night” by Palestinian Director Ahmad Saleh. The choice of this film underscored the festival’s dedication to showcasing narratives that bring to light the human condition in regions affected by conflict and tragedy.
The awards ceremony, a culminating event, witnessed the presence of notable figures such as General Director of TRT, Mehmet Zahid Sobaci, and Türkiye Directorate of Communications, Fahrettin Altun. Their presence symbolized the collaborative efforts of TRT and its commitment to honoring filmmakers who contribute to the festival’s humanitarian goals.
In his address at the ceremony, General Director Mehmet Zahid Sobaci expressed gratitude to the producers and directors for their valuable contributions. He highlighted that the festival was a result of TRT’s “human-centered” approach, emphasizing the need to break the blockade in the world’s collective consciousness. Sobaci stressed the importance of bringing untold stories and unheard cries to the global stage, making particular reference to the ongoing tragedy in Palestine.
Sobaci underscored the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza since October 7, including the destruction of hospitals, sacred places, schools, and refugee camps. He pointed out the commitment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stand in solidarity with the affected people and advocate for justice. Sobaci acknowledged the responsibility of TRT in upholding the dignity of humanity and ensuring that the stories of those suffering reach a wider audience.
Emphasizing the significance of the TRT Humanitarian Film Festival project, Sobaci remarked, “For years, imaginary heroes, supposed righteousness, and certain concepts have been produced from a single Center and presented to us as if they were a set of universal values. Now, we must lift the blockade in the world’s mind. And here, the responsibility lies with us, with you.”
He further highlighted TRT’s human-centered approach across all its platforms, including television, radio channels, digital news platforms, mobile applications, and the international digital platform called Tabii. Sobaci expressed pleasure in hosting participants who focus on humanitarian issues, emphasizing that Türkiye has a history of using its power, technology, and will in favor of the oppressed.
Türkiye Directorate of Communications Fahrettin Altun, in his brief address, acknowledged the festival’s value in drawing attention to millions of people in pain and despair through the power of art. Altun, who presented the first prize and Climate Awareness award at the Festival, expressed hope that the festival had been a meaningful manifestation of TRT’s human-centered broadcasting policy, bringing blessings to all of humanity.
Altun commented on the critical threshold the world is currently facing due to economic crises, pandemics, famine, climate change, and ongoing conflicts. He emphasized that the key to motivating action in the face of humanitarian crises is not reducing tragedies to numbers or categories but understanding these pains and the lives of those experiencing them on an individual level.
Altun praised Türkiye’s commitment to global peace and stability, highlighting the sensitivity displayed by the country. He commended TRT for successfully translating this understanding and sensitivity into its operational field, ensuring that humanitarian concerns are given due attention.
Beyond film screenings, the festival featured a Film Production Panel, with the participation of the Jury President Dervis Zaim and its members, including Ismaël Ferroukhi, Suat Köçer, Vuslat Saraçoglu, and Reshad Strik. An Acting Workshop with actress Pelin Karahan was also arranged, adding an educational dimension to the festival.
The festival received applications from over 370 films from various countries, including Türkiye, Iran, Germany, Palestine, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Hungary, and New Zealand. Out of these submissions, 12 films were screened during the festival, and awards were presented in five categories: Best Film, Second Best Film, Third Best Film, Climate Awareness Special Award, and TRT Special Award.
The winners of the TRT Humanitarian Film Festival were, Best Film: “Branka,” Ákos K. Kovács (Hungary), Second Best Film: “Split Ends,” Alireza Kazemipour (Iran), Third Best Film: “Displaced,” Samir Karahoda (Kosovo), Climate Awareness Special Award: “The Sprayer,” Farnoosh Abedi (Iran) and TRT Special Award: “Night,” Ahmad Saleh (Palestine)
The festival’s success lies in its ability to amplify the voices of filmmakers addressing humanitarian concerns, contributing to a global dialogue that prioritizes empathy and understanding. As the festival concluded, TRT’s commitment to a human-centered approach continues to resonate, reinforcing the power of storytelling in confronting and resolving pressing global issues.
