“Time in Ankara” Short Film Competitions Invite Young Filmmakers and News Cameramen

Within the scope of the International Gordion Archeofilm Festival, two special short film competitions themed “Time in Ankara” will be organized this year. The competitions aim to encourage young filmmakers and professional cameramen to portray the city of Ankara through the language of cinema.

The competitions are titled “Time in Ankara – Young Filmmakers Short Film Competition” and “Time in Ankara – News Cameramen Short Film Competition.” Both categories seek to highlight the many layers of Ankara’s historical memory, daily life, and cultural identity through short films.

Young Filmmakers Will Tell the Story of Ankara

The Young Filmmakers Short Film Competition is open to directors between the ages of 16 and 30. The competition aims to present Ankara through the creative perspectives of young filmmakers.

Participating films must focus on Ankara as their central theme. Filmmakers may explore the city’s historical sites, cultural heritage, everyday life, urban memory, or iconic symbols associated with Ankara.

The duration of the films must be a minimum of 1 minute and a maximum of 5 minutes. Each participant may submit up to two films.

A Special Category for News Cameramen

Another important category within the festival is the “Time in Ankara – News Cameramen Short Film Competition.” This category is open to news cameramen, cinematographers, and freelance camera operators.

The competition encourages professionals working in visual media to present their own cinematic interpretations of Ankara. Films may document the city’s streets, its people, urban moments, or visual stories reflecting Ankara’s unique atmosphere.

Through observational camera work, documentary-style storytelling, and visual narratives, participants are invited to capture the spirit and rhythm of the capital city.

Films Must Be Produced After 2024

Films submitted to both competitions must have been produced after January 2024.

All entries must be prepared in broadcast-quality technical formats (such as mxf, mov, mp4) and in Full HD or 4K resolution.

Participation in the competition is free of charge. Promotional or tourism-oriented films produced for commercial purposes will not be accepted.

Ankara’s Layers of Time on Screen

The theme “Time in Ankara” aims to emphasize that Ankara is not only a political capital but also a city shaped by multiple layers of history, culture, and everyday life.

Films may portray different aspects of the city—from the historic atmosphere of Ankara Castle and Ulus to the evolving urban life of modern districts. Through these short films, Ankara’s streets, landmarks, traditions, and people will be reinterpreted through the lens of cinema.

Cash Prizes for the Winners

Winners of the competitions will receive cash prizes and festival statuettes.

  • 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

Submissions Open Until August 12

Filmmakers wishing to participate can submit their films through:

The deadline for submissions is June 12, 2026. Finalist films will be announced on June 16, 2026.

Selected films will be screened during the festival between September 24–27, 2026, and the winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on September 27, 2026.

Bringing Ankara’s Stories to the Screen

The “Time in Ankara” competitions aim to document the cultural and social memory of Ankara through the perspectives of young filmmakers and professional cameramen.

Beyond being a film competition, the project also seeks to contribute to the visual archive of the city, preserving Ankara’s stories, places, and moments through cinematic storytelling.