This year, the 28 th edition of the Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival opened with
a ceremony at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet Hall. With ASAM as its main sponsor, the
festival aims to make the efforts of women more visible and support their creative contributions
to cinema.
The opening ceremony was attended by directors Ece Dizdar, Ceylan Özgün Özçelik, Biket
İlhan, and Eylem Kaftan; actresses Lale Mansur and Buket Kara; producer Zeynep Atakan;
representatives from various non-governmental organizations; and film enthusiasts.
The President of Ankara City Council Halil İbrahim Yılmaz, Deputy Mayors of Etimesgut and
Çankaya, and ASAM Executive Director İbrahim Vurgun Kavlak were presented with plaques of
appreciation.
“We strive to ensure that women are the true protagonists of their own stories.”
Taking the floor at the ceremony, ASAM Executive Director İbrahim Vurgun Kavlak emphasized
the significance of the Flying Broom Film Festival in terms of women’s struggle. During his
speech, Kavlak indicated that efforts to empower women and children constitute not only a
social issue, but also a foundation for societal transformation. He expressed, “We support the
economic empowerment of women, their access to their rights free of barriers, and their pursuit
of a life free from violence. In all our efforts, we strive to ensure that women are not only
narrators, but the true protagonists of their own stories.”
During the ceremony, the Honorary Award, the Bilge Olgaç Achievement Awards, the Young
Witch Award, the Achievement Award, and plaques of appreciation were presented to their
recipients. During the evening, the SesVerSus a Capella group gave a special performance on
stage, captivating the audience with their songs.
Award Support for Woman Across the Film Industry
The Young Witch Award was presented to young actress Mina Demirtaş.
The Bilge Olgaç Achievement Awards were presented to Başak Emre and Harika Uygur in
recognition of their dedication to cinema.
The Achievement Award was presented to actress Bennu Yıldırımlar.
The Honorary Awards were presented to the renowned cinema figures Gülşen Bubikoğlu and
Hülya Darcan.
The festival will continue until June 4, bringing audiences together with the different stories of
women in cinema via screenings, discussions, and events.
