International Students’ Short Film Festival 2024 held in Ankara

Sri Lankan film maker Eranda Mahagamage addressing the International Students’ Short Film Festival

The International Students’ Short Film Festival 2024, organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara in collaboration with Ankara University was held on December 9 2024, at Ankara University in Türkiye. 
The event brought together over 200 participants including university students, academics, government officials, and members of the diplomatic community, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and creativity.
The evening commenced with the opening remarks by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Hasanthi Dissanayake, followed by the lighting of the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp. The Ambassador emphasised the role of students as cultural ambassadors and highlighted the power of storytelling through cinema to connect diverse communities and enhance understanding across cultures. She also expressed her gratitude to Ankara University for their invaluable support in organising the event, while highlighting the importance of collaboration in promoting cultural diplomacy.

Following the Ambassador’s remarks, a brief introduction to the films was provided, highlighting the themes and the creativity of the participating filmmakers. The festival showcased a compelling selection of short films created by international students, reflecting a rich showcase of cultures, perspectives, and narratives.
The first segment of the programme featured films produced in collaboration with YTB Istanbul. The first short film ‘Belirsiz Nefes’ (Uncertain Breath), directed by Eranda Mahagamage was a moving story about resilience in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, reflecting on the earthquake on February 6, 2023 with its epicenter being Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. Eranda is a PhD candidate at Istanbul University in Türkiye. The other two films were ‘Baba’, directed by Liana Tabgua, which depicted an emotional exploration of familial bonds and ‘Denizanasi’ (Jellyfish) by Holly Mara Göbelez, a thought-provoking commentary on the impact of technology on human relationships. All three short films were set in Türkiye and were in Turkish language with English subtitles. 
For the second segment, award-winning short films from around the world including ‘Chanyrak’ directed by Aizada Alymbek Kyzy featuring a heartfelt tribute to ancestral traditions and their intersection with human destiny were screened. ‘Through Xhelo’s Eyes’ by Besa Tusha, was a poignant reflection on the economic and social crises of Skopje, North Macedonia. 
‘Loving Bill’ by Athula Samarakoon, was an intimate biographical documentary exploring a complex relationship with the famed author William Faulkner. Athula is a Sri Lankan student studying at the University of Mississippi in the USA. The ‘Show Boat Sailor’ by Chirath De Silva received a special jury award for its unique narrative style. Chirath is a Sri Lankan student who was studying at the Filmakademie Baden- Wuerttemberg in Germany.
The festival was moderated by two students of cinematography in Istanbul - Gesufrancesco Petrillo and Vega Moqrabi, and concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which the audience engaged actively with the filmmakers. 
The evening started with a delightful serving of Sri Lankan refreshments, including the world-renowned Ceylon tea, providing an opportunity for informal networking and discussions among the film makers and the audience.
Prior to the event, Ambassador Dissanayake called on the Rector of Ankara University, Senior Professor, Dr. Necdet Ünüvar.
The festival celebrated young filmmakers’ creative brilliance and strengthened the cultural bridge between Sri Lanka and Türkiye. By showcasing diverse voices, the International Students’ Short Film Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on Ankara’s cultural calendar, promising an even more vibrant event in the years to come.