3rd International Dicle Documentary and Short Film Festival Kicks Off in Diyarbakır

Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as part of the Diyarbakır Culture Road Festival, the 3rd International Dicle Documentary and Short Film Festival has opened its doors to cinema enthusiasts in Diyarbakır. Organized in collaboration with Istanbul Gelisim University, SineAkademi, and Dicle University, the festival will take place between October 14–17, 2025, featuring film screenings, panels, workshops, special talks, and social responsibility events — bringing four days of vibrant cultural and artistic activity to the city.

Istanbul Gelisim University Aims to Contribute to Türkiye’s Cultural Production Capacity

As one of the festival’s key partners, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) ensured strong representation at the opening ceremony. The event was attended by IGU Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, Head of the Department of Public Relations and Promotion Dr. Lecturer Bülent Deyirmenci, Dicle University Rector Prof. Kamuran Eronat, Dicle University Vice Rector Prof. Aytaç Coşkun, Diyarbakır Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism İrfan Tekin, Lilafix Founder Mehmet Cansız, GNP Mekatronik General Manager Gülcan Hamkan, legendary Yeşilçam actor Ediz Hun, actress Gülser Tuncer, and her husband, director-screenwriter Engin Ayça.
The festival is coordinated by IGU Faculty of Fine Arts Lecturer and Deputy Head of the Department of Public Relations and Promotion, Ahmet Bikiç, and organized in collaboration with SineAkademi, Dicle University, and the Diyarbakır Governorship.
Through this major event, IGU aims to support the creative works of young filmmakers, strengthen art as a universal language of communication, and contribute to Türkiye’s cultural production capacity.

Over 1,000 Submissions and a Prestigious Jury Panel

This year, the festival received more than 1,000 short film and documentary submissions from various countries. After a meticulous pre-selection process, the finalists were announced through the festival’s official channels. The jury panel consists of distinguished figures from the world of cinema:
Documentary Jury: Coşkun Aral, Osman Nuri Yüce, İrfan Tekin, Ahmet Bikiç, Assoc. Prof. Zuhal Akmeşe

National Short Film Jury: Ediz Hun, Uğur İçbak, Gülsen Tuncer, Erdem Yılmaz, Filiz Zengin
International Short Film Jury: Ediz Hun, Uğur İçbak, Filiz Zengin, Ömer Sinir, İlhan Elmacı
The jury — which includes the legendary Yeşilçam actor Ediz Hun — will play an important role in evaluating both national and international productions. The festival also provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their works alongside established industry figures.

Four Days Filled with Cinema

Throughout the festival, audiences will enjoy short film and documentary screenings, talks with renowned artists, cinema panels, and hands-on workshops. Additionally, as part of its social responsibility focus, the festival will host special documentary screenings in correctional facilities.
Coordinator Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç and Festival Executive Ahmet Cemal Yakut emphasized that the festival continues to grow each year, strengthening Diyarbakır’s cultural and artistic identity and earning increasing recognition in both the local and international film community.
The festival will continue to bring together cinema lovers in Diyarbakır until October 17, celebrating the unifying power of culture, art, and film.