Film Diplomacy Conference 2025 opens in Istanbul to merge cinema, international relations

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Film Diplomacy Conference 2025 opened in Istanbul on Friday, aiming to bridge cinema with diplomatic efforts to address global conflicts.

"Currently, the idea of film and diplomacy in two units are very different. People think that film is only for the fun entertainment, drama, comedy, romance whereas diplomacy is only for the politics or international relations," Raheel Ahmad, founder of Film Diplomacy, told reporters.

"What we are trying to do here is that we are trying to connect them with one vision, which is building diplomats with lens," Ahmad said.

He noted that the organization has collaborated with the UN Youth Office, 67 different organizations worldwide, and partners including actors, actresses and diplomats who support the initiative.

Ahmad said the primary goal of the conference is "to raise awareness for the conflicts happening around the world," including those in Palestine and Sudan.

The three-day international event brings together participants from around the world to merge the power of cinema with diplomatic principles.

Held under the theme Building Diplomats Through Lens, the conference features a training day led by diplomats, officials, filmmakers, media agencies, sustainability trainers and intercultural experts; a 24-hour film challenge in whichw teams produce short films on global peace and cooperation; and an award and screening day judged by diplomats, directors and media figures.