The focus country of the Rendezvous Istanbul Film Festival last year was Spain. The festival was organized by the Türsak Foundation with the support of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Cinema.

Within the scope of the festival held in Istanbul between 18 – 22 December 2023, screenings, Q&A events, producer meetings, panels, and workshops were open to the free participation of film lovers.

The ATLAS 1948 Theatre hosted the award ceremony on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The chosen individuals and organizations received the International Rendezvous Award, the Contribution to Culture and Art Award, and the Contribution to Cinema Award. Attendees enjoyed the Türkiye premiere of the film “Waiting for Dali” following the award ceremony.

AKM Yeşilçam Theatre hosted film screenings with the following categories: “Look at Spain, See the World,” “A Glance at Turkish Cinema,” “Pedro Almodovar Selection,” and “Shorts from the Filmmakers of the Future.” All screenings from December 18, 2023, to December 22, 2023, were free to watch.

The directors of “Smile,” which was screened on Tuesday, December 19, at 2 PM, “Girl Unknown,” which was screened on Thursday, December 21, at 2 PM, and “Shorts from Future Filmmakers,” which was screened at 5 PM on the same day, led a Q&A session.

As part of the festival, a panel titled “Co-Production Opportunities Between Türkiye and Spain” was held at Nişantaşı University. Producer Amparo Miralles, director Pablo Maqueda, producer Haizea Viana from Spain, lawyer, producer, and General Secretary from Tesiyap Burhan Gün, director & producer Murat Şeker, and producer Oğuz Öztürk from Türkiye attended the panel, which was moderated by Sibel Levendoğlu. The panel discussed the necessary needs and solutions to increase co-productions between Turkey and Spain. Before the panel, Spanish and Turkish industry professionals came together at Nişantaşı University and held a “Producers Meeting.”

On Thursday, December 21, Samantha Lopez held a “Directing Workshop” for young filmmakers at the Türsak Foundation. Lopez shared her experiences with film production, especially in Spain, with the participants.