Speaking at the gala event, Istanbul Gelişim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin emphasized the university's achievements in sustainability. He highlighted that the festival was the result of a year of effort and hard work, stating:
"I congratulate the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Public Relations and Promotion Directorate. Through our sustainability strategies, we deliver value not only academically but also across business, environment, and society by implementing impactful projects. Guided by our global vision, we strive to enhance community benefit in education, research, and art through innovative methods and collaborations. It’s impossible to separate the impact of one from the other. This festival, with its sustainability-focused theme, offers diverse perspectives and underscores global transformation through artistic expression. Hosting this inaugural festival as Istanbul Gelişim University is immensely valuable to us, reflecting our critical role in shaping the future of the planet.
Our university's commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been recognized in the 2024 'University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report' by Turkey’s Council of Higher Education. We ranked first in categories such as 'energy efficiency investment utilization' and 'water savings investment per unit water consumed,' and eighth in 'per capita direct carbon footprint.' Sustainability is a shared responsibility for all of us. Aligned with Turkey’s development plans and goals, Istanbul Gelişim University remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities with awareness. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the festival."
Festival Director and Istanbul Gelişim University Corporate Communication and Promotion Deputy Chair Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the festival:
"We have concluded a very enjoyable festival process. Throughout the festival, we were honored by the presence of many esteemed guests. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my festival team and everyone who contributed to this challenging journey. This festival belongs to all of us," he said.
Former AK Party Mardin MP and AK Party MKYK member, author Orhan Miroğlu, who attended the gala, remarked, "It was heartening to see the progress Istanbul Gelişim University has made in sustainability on both national and international levels. Congratulations to all filmmakers who participated in the festival."
Meanwhile, AK Party Istanbul MP Av. Serkan Bayram encouraged young people to persevere, stating, "We always stand by art and the youth."
Awards were presented in high school and international categories. The winners are as follows:
High School Category:
International Category:
Organized under the leadership of Istanbul Gelişim University, the festival garnered widespread acclaim for raising awareness about both cinema and sustainability. Concluding the gala, Festival Director Ahmet Bikiç announced that the festival will take place again next year.
