Films for Venice festival to be selected in Istanbul

As part of "Festivals in Istanbul: 2015," officials from the Venice Film Festival and the Venice International Film Critics' Week will be in Istanbul starting tomorrow until June 12, and from June 23-26. Organized by the Film Producers' Association of Turkey (Se-Yap) and in collaboration with the Corinne Art and Boutique Hotel, the event is supported by the Cinema General Directorate and Atlas Post Production.

The submitted film applications will be reviewed by festival authorities and those found to be appropriately reflecting the festival's criteria will be selected for screening. During the event, film directors, producers and representatives from the international film industry will meet with festival officials. No application fee is required. The project intends to improve the visibility of Turkish cinema at international festivals and film markets.

Last year, the project enabled Kaan Müjdeci's "Sivas" to be screened at the Venice Film Festival, while Emine Emel Balcı's "Nefesim Kesilene Kadar" (Until I Lose My Breath) and Faruk Hacıhafızoğlu's "Kar Korsanları" (Snow Pirates) were chosen for the Berlin Film Festival. This year, officials from the San Sebastian, Toronto, Berlin, Rotterdam and Sundance film festivals will also visit Istanbul. The Venice Film Festival will take place from Sept. 2-12