As the curtains draw on the country’s leading Festival, Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star, the spotlight was on Turkey. For the 1st time, a high level delegation of over 42 of the leading CEOs from the Film & TV Industry in Turkey, leading producers, directors & production houses, who were here to attend the Festival and showcase some of their “Best Films” to Indian audiences. They took active part in the Festival which opened on the 20th of Oct, 2016 in Mumbai.
The festival brought together a selection of 10 of the best Turkish films especially curated for the Indian audience. The 10 films that were screened to packed auditoriums at the Festival were, ALBUM, MY MOTHER’S WOUND, BRIDE, SNOW PIRATES, WINTER SLEEP, EMBER, BLUE BICYCLE, DUST, WHISPER IF I FORGET & 8 SECONDS.
The Indian media had the opportunity to meet the Deputy Minister of Culture & Tourism, Huseyin Yayman, the President of TESIYAP, Mr. Birol Guven, famous, leading actors in Turkey, Hazal Kaya, Sarp Levendoglu & Kaan Tasener. This media briefing was hosted by Turkish Ambassador H. E. Burak Akcapar & Mumbai Consul General H. E. Sabri Ergen. There was a large contingent of Indian media present who showed great interest in the meeting where important messages were conveyed. It was an interesting engagement. Alin Taşçiyan, Film Critic & President of FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) & Curator of the Turkish Films being screened at Jio MAMI this year moderated the press briefing session.
Deputy Minister of Culture & Tourism, Huseyin Yayman invited Indian Filmmakers to Turkey and said: “We want to increase the cultural & political values between Turkey & India; We believe art & culture to be above politics”
In his speech, Huseyin Yayman said, “You already see images of Istanbul in the series but I invite you to come & stay in Istanbul. Between Turkey & India, there are such important historical bonds. I have come to offer you to go further in increasing the culture – art relations between Turkey & India on behalf of our President & Prime Minister. When we develop culture & art based exchanges, and build enduring we build really long lasting relations. In this sense, the Mumbai Film Festival was very important to us.”
Indicating the progress of relations between Turkey & India, H. E. Burak Akcapar, the Turkish Ambassador to India from New Delhi, pointed out the global importance of the relation between Turkey & India. And he added, “Having cinema for the whole progress in political, economical & cultural relations will build a bridge between the 2 countries.”
Consul General of Turkey in Mumbai, H.E. Sabri Ergen indicated that the delegation had chosen specifically to attend this Festival and highlighted their intent saying, “We wanted to showcase our series, movies and talent.”
Festival Director, Anupama Chopra who accompanied the Turkish delegation at the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival, said it was exciting to welcome Turkey as a guest country. “We are delighted to have Turkey as our Country of Focus at this year’s Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star. We reached out to the Counsel General of Turkey, H. E. Erdal Sabri Ergen, who immediately swung into action about the idea of putting together films and varied initiatives from Turkey. From a long list we chose 10 films across genres that represents this country, but more importantly, defines this country’s persona. There was a film from 1973 THE BRIDE as well as the recently highly acclaimed WINTER SLEEP, and a host of other contemporary films, all of which give you a perspective of the country as good films should.” – said Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star.
Addressing the media, the President of Tesiyap, Birol Güven, Spokesperson of the Delegation & CEO / Founder / Producer of Mint Motion Pictures highlighted that they want to have co – operation & co -productions and said: “We are here to know you better and to see your culture. And we want to tell more about ourselves because we don’t know each other, even though we have so much in common. I would like to warn you that when you start seeing our Turkish series you will not be able to stop. But don’t worry, we have a lot of series”
Leading Turkish Actress, Hazal Kaya, the star of ADINI FERIHA KOYDUM (FERIHA) series which was shown in India said that she is so excited about attending the festival.
Pointing out that Feriha was shown in Turkey 5 years ago, Kaya said, “Getting this interest in India for FERIHA is so exciting for us. Actually Turkish series are shown in many countries. But seeing the result of this in India, is a different happiness for me. My mother grew up watching Indian movies. That’s why I am so happy to make her proud.”
Highlighting that art is universal, the star of LITTLE LORD, Sarp Levendoglu said, “Being together with the art that reaches everyone in the same way is making me so happy. First time I saw myself dubbed in Hindi, I got so excited.”
Highlighting the importance of art in people’s life, the star of the popular TV series, Fatmagul, Kaan Tasaner said, “Art is what brings us together. It is more important than the language we speak. Thanks to all of you who wants to see us here.”
An engaging Turkey – India Entertainment Forum (TV and Film) was held during the festival. This session was co – chaired by Festival Director, Anupama Chopra, and the President of TESİYAP (Television & Cinema Producers Professionnal Organization of Turkey), Birol Güven. The primary objective of the Industry Forum is to forge new relationships between the Film & TV industries of India & Turkey that will pave the way for collaborative productions, to build the legal foundation for co – production agreement and to contribute to the political, economic, artistic & cultural cooperation and solidarity between the 2 countries.
From the Turkish Delegation, special invitees included Turkish Ambassador in New Delhi Burak Akçapar, Turkey’s Vice – Minister of Culture & Tourism Hüseyin Yayman, Turkish Consul General in Mumbai Erdal Sabri Ergen, as well as prominent Turkish producers, Birol Güven, Ali Gündoğdu, Faruk Turğut, Şükrü Avşar, Ömer Atay, ATV & Kanal D Representatives, Mars Distribution CEO Ferhat Aslan; successful Turkish directors Reha Erdem, Çağan Irmak, Ömer Faruk Sorak, Murat Şeker, Ümit Köreken, Faruk Hacıhafızoğlu participated in the panel discussion.
Representing the Indian film industry on the panel was India’s leading Filmaker, Vidhu Vinod Chopra of Vinod Chopra Films.
The visit was organised by TESİYAP, (Television and Film Producers Professional Association), and supported by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, General Directorate of Cinema & Turkish Consulate General in Mumbai.
