'Honor, Labor, and Achievement' awards presented at Golden Orange

The 62nd International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, hosted by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, brought the art world together. The opening night, held at the Glass Pyramid Congress Center and presented by Cansu Canan Özgen and Alpdoğan Esenoğlu, was a scene of both emotional and meaningful moments.

Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Büşra Dirgen Özdemir emphasized the cultural heritage that the Golden Orange has contributed to the city and the country, stating, "For centuries, our Antalya has been not only a city of the sea, the sun, and nature, but also a city of art and thought. The Golden Orange has become a part of the lifestyle of this city, which breathes through its art, produces through its thought, and grows through its emotions."

Stating that the festival, with foundations laid in 1964 under the leadership of Dr. Avni Tolunay, has today become part of Turkey's artistic memory, Özdemir added, "The Golden Orange is not just a festival; it is the memory of Turkey and the collective memory of its people. In every scene, there is the sound of labor, and in every applause, there is the sound of sweat."

"EVERYONE SHARES THE SAME EMOTION IN CINEMA"

The festival's National Jury President, Ömer Vargı, pointed out that cinema is an art form that equalizes people, saying, "When watching a film, a professor, a worker, and an executive all experience the same emotions. That is the most beautiful part of cinema."

Master actor Settar Tanrıöğen, who received his Honor Award from Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Büşra Dirgen Özdemir, said, "I would like to thank the festival team for deeming me worthy of this award, even though I do not have a film in the festival."

"DARKNESS IS FALLING UPON CHILDREN IN GAZA"

The Labor Award was presented to screenwriter and author Feride Çiçekoğlu by Sine-Sen President Galip Görür. Sharing her emotions, Çiçekoğlu, who noted that this was her third time on the Golden Orange stage, said, "I am here for the first time as a student of screenwriting, then with the film of my dear student Selman Nacar, and now with this award." Galip Görür, who presented the award, said, "This award belongs to the laborers who walk in the footsteps of light and sound in every field of cinema. Where the light of cinema falls, there is hope, there is life. But today, darkness is falling upon children in Gaza. They are killing life. As filmmakers who are aware of this, let us be a light for Gaza."

Actor Serap Aksoy was presented her Honor Award by her colleague Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu. Aksoy, who claimed that she had been on the list of banned actors for a long time, expressed that being remembered with such an award moved her deeply.

"ANTALYA'S AUDIENCE MAKES FESTIVALS MORE BEAUTIFUL"

Merve Dizdar, who received her Achievement Award from actor Mehmet Kurtuluş, expressed her happiness at receiving an award on the Golden Orange stage for the second time. Dizdar said, "I received the Best Actress award in 2022 for our film 'Snow and the Bear' (Kar ve Ayı). Even then, what excited me the most was the audience in Antalya. I think what makes festivals beautiful is being together, so I thank the audience. This award gives me the motivation to continue my work with passion. This is my life; I will continue to do what I think I do well."

Screenwriter-director Cansu Baydar, who received the Young Filmmaker Achievement Award from Jury President Ömer Vargı, thanked her team and said, "Being on this stage for the second time is a great happiness for me. I am here thanks to the efforts of my team, who do their work with passion."

Actor Selahattin Paşalı, who could not attend the ceremony due to his busy work schedule, was also among the recipients of the Achievement Award.

News Source: İHA