Filmmor Women’s Film Festival Kicks Off
The 21st Filmmor Women’s Film Festival is set to begin on June 20th at 21:00 with the theme “Password: Peace.” The inaugural event features the online open-access screening of “Stitching Palestine.” This year, the festival extends to multiple locations including the Beyoğlu Cinema, Zafer and Örnektepe Neighbourhood Houses, and the Institut Français, continuing until June 30.
Password: Peace
The focus of this year’s festival is encapsulated in its theme “Password: Peace.” Among the significant films showcased is “Stitching Palestine” by Carol Mansour. This poignant documentary narrates the stories of 12 exiled Palestinian women, inviting the audience to empathize and understand their experiences. This section aims to provide a platform for voices often unheard, particularly those of Palestinian women and children.
Women’s Cinema
Another remarkable section of the festival is “Women’s Cinema,” which challenges the conventional “male gaze.” This segment will commence with a screening of “Kasik Dusmani” in tribute to Bilge Olgaç on the 30th anniversary of her passing. Olgaç was instrumental in paving the way for women in Turkish cinema. The section features various inspiring films such as “Suddenly” by Melisa Önel, “Not What You Think” by Vuslat Saraçoğlu, and “The Payoff” by Handan İpekçi. Other notable films include:
- “Bye Bye Turtle” by Selin Öksüzoğlu
- “The Doll” by Emine Uysal Berger and Özgür Ceylan
- “As Possible As Everything” by Selen Örcan
- “How to Disappear” by Tilbe Canan
- “Between Delicate and Violent” by Şirin Bahar Demirel
The diverse range of films shows how women directors continue to push the boundaries in storytelling and production.
Feminist Memory
This year’s edition also includes a special section named “Feminist Memory.” Key films such as “Who is Mihri” by Berna Gençalp delve into historical legacies, while “Retro Therapy” by Elodie Lélü examines generational feminist narratives through the lives of a grandmother, her daughter, and granddaughter. These films present thought-provoking perspectives on women’s history and collective memory.
Rights-Based Cinema
The festival will also spotlight rights-based cinema that pays homage to women fighting for their rights around the world. Films like “The Guardian” by Martina Priessner highlight these struggles, focusing on an Assyrian nun sustaining her village’s memory despite harsh conditions. Additionally, Maria Binder’s documentary “Eren” follows human rights defender Erin Keskin in her relentless pursuit of justice. “Seven Winters in Tehran” by Steffi Niederzoll tells the harrowing yet powerful story of Reyhaneh Jabbari, who faced execution in Iran for defending herself against an aggressor.
Local Politics On-Site Cinema
The festival aims to integrate itself into local communities under its section “Local Politics On-Site Cinema.” Culminating with a screening of “24/7 Street,” this segment celebrates women who influence change within their local environments. A subsequent forum will bring together female local politicians and filmmakers. Sector Meetings titled “Caution Spoilers!” will feature discussions on film criticism with noted critics like Alin Taşçıyan and Janet Barış.
The Filmmor Women’s Film Festival promises an enriching experience filled with film screenings, discussions, workshops, and forums—all dedicated to celebrating women’s voices in cinema.
For further information, images, and trailers:
- [Google Drive Folder](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1csz0CTQNzBHXMQFz1lWMLQS7BpK4HgOs?usp=drive_link)