By Dilara Hamit
ISTANBUL (AA) - The 15th TRT International Documentary Awards began Thursday in Istanbul.
It will host national and international documentary screenings and discussions with industry experts.
The festival is taking place from Dec. 12 - 15 at Fisekhane.
The festival features prominent guests, including Irish actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role as Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones; Ken-ichi Imamura, a founding member of Tokyo Docs; celebrated director Semih Kaplanoglu and Palestinian filmmakers Vin Arfuso and Mohammed Jabaly.
Organized by TRT to support amateur and professional documentary filmmakers, the festival aims to contribute to the growth and promotion of the documentary genre. Out of nearly 1,700 submissions from 100 countries, 40 finalists will compete in four categories -- National Student Films, National Professional, International and Project Support.
With the theme, “So Far Yet So Close,” the festival highlights pressing global issues, including the chaos and threats of war worldwide, as well as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This year marks the festival’s Crystal Year -- its 15th anniversary.
Attendees can enjoy screenings of finalist documentaries and special selections, including award-winning films from prestigious global festivals and works focusing on Palestine.
The program includes masterclasses, panels and workshops led by distinguished directors and experts, offering insights into the present and future of documentary filmmaking.
The festival opened with TRT-produced documentary, I See Gaza, which portrays the struggles of individuals working to amplify Palestinian voices.
Cunningham, who is featured in the film, is a special guest at the event. Panels, discussions and workshops with jury members and experts will take place in Fisekhane.
The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony, where 15 awards, including the special “TRT 60th Anniversary Awards,” will be presented on the TRT Documentary Channel.
For more information on the program and competition, visit www.trtbelgesel.com/en.