Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival

The only thing better than relaxing on one of Antalya's beautiful beaches is a visit to the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. The festival's star-studded red carpet is rolled out every autumn, usually in October, and screens films as well as holding parties and exhibitions. Here's everything you need to know about what's been dubbed the 'Turkish Oscars'.  

Longest running film festival

Held in the stunning resort city of Antalya, the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival is Turkey's longest running event celebrating all things celluloid! With a rich cultural heritage like Antalya's, it's no surprise it now plays host to this important event.

Concerts and theatre productions were often held at the city's historical Aspendos Amphitheatre, and as these events became more popular, they combined in 1963 to create the film festival. Some of the Golden Orange events are still held in the Aspendos Amphitheatre today.

The International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival was created with the aim to not only promote Turkish cinema, but to also motivate Turkish film producers into creating great films that would increase the influence Turkish cinema has around the world. The Golden Orange Film Festival now receives a record number of submissions every year, proving just how popular the Turkish film industry has become.

Orange is such an important symbol of the region it was chosen for both the logo and name of the festival, while the sea, historical elements and the Venus statue were also included.

Film screenings and awards

Watch as A-listers arrive to the opening ceremony in a 2.5-mile parade of carnation-decorated cars, entering in floor-length gowns and tuxedos to the background of paparazzi flashes. This is Turkey, 'Hollywood style'!

Attend panel discussions by directors, screenwriters, and producers of Turkish and Eurasian cinema during the week-long event, as well enjoying the glittering parties that take place across the city. 150 films are screened throughout the week and there are exhibitions and workshops for film lovers, students and aspiring actors alike.

Don't worry about struggling to understand the language as you watch a screening, as all films are subtitled in both English and Turkish. The final award ceremony is held at the Atatrk Cultural Centre, where winners are given a golden statuette of Venus carrying an orange.  

Socially responsible

The ceremony presents a total of 34 awards this year, including Best Actor, Best International Film and Lifetime Achievement Award to name just a few. But it's not all about the awards either, as the festival also serves social responsibility projects and focuses on one of these projects every year.

In previous festivals, The Golden Orange Film Festival has even held film workshops and nightly film showings in Antalya's prison. Aiming to create a 'festival of the people', the Golden Orange Film Festival now includes an award category titled 'Best First Film' to encourage young filmmakers to shoot feature-length films.

There are also honorary awards given out to those trying to improve Turkish cinema. At the closing ceremony, the worthy winner of the Antalya Film Support Fund is announced where a large amount of money is given to a Turkish film production.

More Things To Do ideas

Find more Things To Do in Antalya: Anciet Harbour Of Antalya | Antalya Annual Festival | Antalya Golf Courses | Hadrian's Gate | Karaalioglu Park | Kurşunlu Waterfalls | Mount Tahtali | Nightlife Antalya | Yivliminare Mosque