The finalist films of the 3rd Gordion International Archeofilm Festival have been announced. A total of 828 films from 108 countries were submitted to the festival this year, and productions from nine different countries have qualified for the finals in the International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Documentary Competition category.

Organized by the Gordion Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the festival will be held between 24–27 September in Ankara and at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gordion Ancient City in Polatlı. Within the scope of the festival, finalist films, official selection films, and special screening programs will meet cinema audiences.

Kadim Koç, President of the Gordion Foundation, stated that they were pleased with the strong interest shown in the festival and emphasized that they continue to present Gordion’s thousands of years of heritage to the world through the universal language of cinema.

Festival Director Kadir Uluç noted that the 828 submissions from 108 countries demonstrate the festival’s growing international presence. He added that one of their primary goals is to raise awareness about the protection of cultural heritage through cinema.

This year, the festival will also feature cultural heritage projects aimed at young people. Through the “Time in Ankara” Young Filmmakers Competition, participants between the ages of 16 and 30 will be encouraged to portray Ankara’s history, cultural values, and living heritage through short films. The project aims to strengthen cultural heritage awareness among younger generations.

In addition, since Ankara has been designated the 2026 Tourism Capital of the Turkic World, a special event titled “The Turkic World Meets in Ankara” will be organized within the festival. Students from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus who are studying in Ankara will produce short films introducing both their own capitals and Ankara.

Gordion Foundation President Kadim Koç stated that the project aims to strengthen cultural ties among young people of the Turkic world and emphasized that cinema provides an important platform for bringing people together around a shared history and cultural heritage.
In addition to film screenings, the 3rd Gordion International Archeofilm Festival will host talks, exhibitions, and various cultural events. The awards ceremony will take place on 27 September.

Held under the slogan “Cinema Unties the Knot of the Past,” the festival continues to serve as an international platform bringing together archaeology, cultural heritage, and cinema.