Submissions Open for the 3rd International Gordion Archeofilm Festival
One of the significant gatherings of documentary cinema focusing on archaeology, cultural heritage, and history, the International Gordion Archeofilm Festival, is preparing to bring filmmakers and researchers together for the third time this year. Organized by the Gordion Foundation, the festival will feature four competition categories open to both national and international filmmakers.
The festival aims both to encourage international documentary production and to support short films focusing on Ankara. Bringing together films related to archaeology and cultural heritage, the festival will also provide a platform for young filmmakers and news cameramen to produce and present their work.
Competitions in Four Different Categories
The festival includes four competition categories.
International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Documentary Film Competition
Documentary films on archaeology, anthropology, and cultural heritage will compete in this category. Documentary filmmakers from around the world may apply to this main section of the festival.
International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Student Film Competition
Student films focusing on archaeology and cultural heritage will be evaluated in a separate category. This section aims to provide an international platform for young researchers and filmmakers to present their work.
“Time in Ankara” Young Filmmakers Short Film Competition
This competition is open to young filmmakers aged 16–30 and includes short films centered on Ankara. The aim of the competition is to encourage young filmmakers to portray Ankara’s history, places, daily life, and urban memory through the language of cinema.
“Time in Ankara” News Cameramen Short Film Competition
In this category, news cameramen, cinematographers, and freelance camera operators may submit short films focusing on Ankara. The competition aims to support the creative productions of visual professionals working in the television and news industry.
Festival Schedule
The competition process and screening program will follow this schedule:
- March 16, 2026 – Festival announcement and opening of submissions
- June 12, 2026 – Submission deadline
- June 16, 2026 – Announcement of finalist films
- September 24, 2026 – Festival opening, student film screenings and talks
- September 25, 2026 – Film screenings and discussions
- September 26, 2026 – Film screenings and discussions
- September 27, 2026 – Award ceremony and festival closing
Throughout the festival, finalist films will meet audiences and discussions with directors will be held.
Participation Conditions for International Documentary Categories
Documentaries completed after January 2022 may apply to the International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Documentary Film Competition and the Student Documentary Film Competition.
Some of the basic requirements include:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
- For the student category, applicants must currently be students in formal education or must have produced the film during their student years within the last three years.
- Participation is free of charge.
- Each participant may submit only one film.
- Films must be produced in Full HD or 4K formats (such as mxf, mov, mp4).
- The maximum duration is 100 minutes for the documentary category and 30 minutes for the student category.
- Films must include English subtitles.
Touristic or commercial promotional films and episodic documentary series will not be accepted.
Conditions for the “Time in Ankara” Categories
For the Ankara-themed short film competitions, films must have been produced after January 2024.
In these categories:
- The Young Filmmakers competition is open to participants aged 16–30.
- The News Cameramen category is open to cameramen, cinematographers, and freelance visual professionals.
- Participation is free of charge.
- Participants may submit up to two films.
- Film duration must be between 1 and 5 minutes.
- All films must focus on Ankara.
How to Apply
Directors and producers wishing to participate can submit their films through:
- www.gordionfilmfest.org
- filmfreeway.com
Applicants are required to upload materials such as the director’s biography, film synopsis, still images from the film, poster, and trailer during submission.
Evaluation Process
Films will undergo a two-stage evaluation process.
A pre-selection jury will choose up to 10 finalist films in each category from among the eligible submissions. The main jury will then determine the award-winning films from among the finalists.
The jury will consist of directors, academics, producers, critics, and professionals from the film industry. Jury decisions will be final.
Awards
Each category will grant cash prizes and a festival statuette.
- International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Documentary Film Competition – First Prize
50,000 TL and a festival statuette - International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Student Film Competition – First Prize
30,000 TL and a festival statuette - Time in Ankara – Young Filmmakers Short Film Competition – First Prize
30,000 TL and a festival statuette - Time in Ankara – News Cameramen Short Film Competition – First Prize
50,000 TL and a festival statuette
Institutions and organizations supporting the festival may also present special awards if they wish.
An International Meeting Point for Cinema and Cultural Heritage
The International Gordion Archeofilm Festival aims to support film productions related to archaeology and cultural heritage, bring together filmmakers working in this field, and promote cultural heritage to wider audiences through cinema.
During the festival, finalist films will be screened for audiences, accompanied by director talks and various events.
The festival, which will take place in Gordion in September, aims to become an international platform where archaeology and documentary cinema come together.
