The eastern Anatolian province is scheduled to host its first-ever international film event in late November, offering around 100 titles from Turkey and abroad throughout a week-long festival that will feature two competition programs: one international competition for features and another for short films from Turkey.The festival will realize a first among its peers in Turkey as both competitions will accept submissions exclusively in the genre of comedy and its sub-genres. Set to take place on Nov. 26-Dec. 2, MUFF is accepting submissions for the international competition until Oct. 1.
A 12-film selection from Turkey and overseas will vie for the international competition’s Golden Apricot Prizes, which will be handed out in five categories: best film, best director, best screenplay, best actor and best actress. The Golden Apricot Prize for Best Film will come with a cash prize of 10,000 euros while the rest of the awards will bring their winners a 3,000-euro cash award.
The international competition will also hand out a Jury’s Special Prize, a Turkish Film Critics Association (SİYAD) Prize and an Audience Award named after the late comedic Turkish actor Kemal Sunal.
The official selection and full program will be announced in late October. www.malatyafilmfest.com.
