Hello dear Ahmet Bikiç, you are working as a lecturer at Istanbul Gelişim University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Communication and Design. In this context, you served as the Festival Director in important events such as the 1st Dicle Short Film Festival, 5th Bingöl International Short Film Festival, 2nd Great Attack Film Festival, and 6th International Siirt Short Film Festival. Can you tell us about your experiences and Directorship processes regarding these festivals?
In my years of experience in the field of film, I have participated in national and international film festivals and won many awards with my films. During these processes, I gained the ability to generate ideas for solutions by observing the problems and negativities encountered in festivals and the difficulties experienced by film directors. My festival director adventure started 3 years ago with the TAYF International Short Film Festival organized by Istanbul Gelişim University, Faculty of Fine Arts. I took part in many stages of this festival, from the creation process to content creation. Then, we successfully held our festival together with a large team. Later, I served as Festival Director at the international level and important film festivals supported by the General Directorate of Cinema of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, such as the 1st Dicle Short Film Festival, 5th Bingöl International Short Film Festival, 2nd Grand Attack Film Festival, 6th International Siirt Short Film Festival. My most important observation during the festival process is how critical a role the team plays. Teamwork is an indispensable element in the process of finding solutions to problems. With the development of digital technology in our country, short film production has gained great momentum; This is a pleasing development for Turkish cinema.
Do you have any interesting memories you can share about your duties at these festivals and your interactions with the participants?
My duties at these festivals include establishing close communication with young directors and managing the selection committee processes related to the organization of the festival. Festival organization processes include a multifaceted preparation process. I have the opportunity to get to know young directors and establish a close relationship with these talented individuals involved in film production. At the same time, we are in constant communication with the organization and the selection committee. Each festival has its unique atmosphere and characteristics. However, one of my most interesting memories is witnessing the excitement of young directors. Seeing them share their films with great enthusiasm and the excitement they experience during the festival creates unforgettable moments for me.
What do you think is the artistic and cultural importance of such festivals?
Such festivals are of great artistic and cultural importance. International film festivals encourage cross-cultural interaction by providing an open platform to filmmakers from different parts of the world. The fact that films come from different geographies brings together different cultures and lifestyles with the audience, thus increasing cultural diversity.
Additionally, the city where a film festival is held makes a great contribution. The festival increases the recognition of the city and has a positive impact on tourism. News and social media posts made during the festival introduce the city where the festival is held to large audiences. This helps convey the cultural richness and charm of that city to the outside world. Therefore, film festivals support cultural exchange, bring art and culture together, and also make the city where the festival is held a cultural center.
What are the benefits of the festival for students and academics with this event?
I experienced the importance of festival organizations during my student years. When you are a student, these festivals are extremely important for observing and learning new techniques, approaches, and filmmaking techniques. Special screening mechanisms for short films are still not fully developed. For this reason, short film directors need such film festivals to introduce their films to the audience. In addition, they can meet with sector representatives at festivals, introduce their work, and enter the sector. Many short film directors have stepped into the industry and introduced themselves through these festivals. The contribution of festivals to academics is also very important. Because in the academy, just teaching is not enough; It is extremely important for academics to go off campus and watch, observe, and interpret newly produced films. Since the short films are independent cinema products, they contain different ideas and works. Therefore, academics' access to new style content and transferring it to their students makes a significant contribution to the field of cinema.
How did your Festival Directorship processes contribute to the academic and administrative goals of Istanbul Gelişim University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Communication and Design? Can you share your thoughts about the impact of such events on the general vision of the university?
As you know, I continue to teach at Istanbul Gelişim University, Faculty of Fine Arts, and some of my courses include the topics of "documentary production processes" and "film festivals". In these courses, I try to show how theoretical knowledge is applied to practice by sharing my field experiences with my students. At the same time, since the channels suitable for short film screenings are limited, we watch and comment on the finalist films together with my students to transfer the experiences I gained during the festival directorship processes to my students and to develop the culture of watching short films.
I would like to share my thoughts on how festival organization and management duties contribute to the academic and administrative goals of the university. Such events inspire students and encourage creative thinking by providing examples of short filmmaking. In addition, an experienced team formed during the festival coordination process creates a strong foundation for the short film festivals that Istanbul Gelişim University will organize in the future. The Inter-High School Short Film Festival, held in cooperation with the university's board of trustees, rectorate, public relations, and promotion directorate, can be considered an event that contributes to the general vision of the university. While such organizations give students the chance to showcase their talents, they also fulfill a mission to increase the cultural and artistic diversity of the university.
Do you have something that you want to add finally?
Film production processes and film festivals are processes that require teamwork and effort. You may get very tired from time to time and work hard. However, having your film shown at an international festival shows that it is a great pleasure to see all these efforts pay off. At this stage, I would like to say this to all students; When you work in harmony with your teammates, it will be inevitable for your work to find the place it deserves. Remember that working together and combining your efforts is the key to success.
