Happiness is in Ordu

A short film festival themed " Happiness " in Ordu , one of the Black Sea's most special cities, offered a respite from the country's hectic agenda. Ordu, where residents are justifiably proud of their 63-year-old municipal theater, hosted a significant cultural and artistic event.

The nine-day 9th Güzel Ordu International Short Film Festival brought a cinematic vibe to the city's streets. Directors from countries bordering the Black Sea also attended the event, and awards were presented at a ceremony held the previous evening.

Masters of Turkish cinema Tamer Levent, Meriç Başaran, and Attila Olgaç were honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at a festival organized by the Güzel Ordu Culture and Arts Foundation. Hosted by İlhan Şahin and Tuğba Özay, the ceremony brought together numerous prominent figures from the worlds of cinema and the arts.

Jury members Meltem Cumbul, Güven Kıraç, Natasha Petrovikj, Bahtiyar Engin, Filiz Ahmet, Sashko Mcevski, Tümay Özokur, İber Deari, İpek Tugay, and Mehmet Çepiç were also present at the event. Throughout the event in Ordu, film screenings, various workshops featuring experienced film industry figures sharing their expertise, talks, concerts, and book signings were also held. The festival aims to encourage the work of young filmmakers and to establish Ordu as a major center of cinema.

Jury members Meltem Cumbul, Güven Kıraç and Filiz Ahmet greeted the public.

Awards were presented to the winners

Documentary:

• Young Jury Award: Koçer – Director Serhat Boylu

• Special Jury Prize: The Wedding of the Pirs – Director Yalçın Çiftçi

• Foundation Special Award: Ballet Village – Director Fatih Diren

• Best Documentary Film Award: Muzaffer – Director Ömer Faruk Çetin

Animation:

• Young Jury Award: Shining Memory – Director Goga Osepashvili

• Special Jury Prize: Budu – Director Burcu Ejderoğlu

• Special Foundation Award: Yuri Far Away – Directors Maria Konopatova & Yuri Konstantinov

• Best Animated Film Award: Parajanov – Director Ivan Baturin