Turkish films in Boston

The 16th Boston Turkish Films Festival will be organized this year between March 16 and April 2. 

This year’s program continues the tradition of highlighting emerging and established Turkish filmmakers with several appearances by guest directors. Most of the films make their North America or U.S. premieres at the festival. 

The festival will open with “İftarlık Gazoz” (61 Days), by filmmaker Yüksel Aksu. 

Acclaimed actor and director Uğur Yücel will be the recipient of this year’s Boston Turkish Film Festival Excellence in Turkish Cinema Award. Award ceremony will take place following the North America premiere of the digitally restored version of “Muhsin Bey,” (Mr. Muhsin), a Turkish cinema classic. The festival will conclude with prominent Turkish auteur Zeki Demirkubuz’s latest film, “Kor” (Ember). 

The award-winning films of the Boston Turkish Festival Documentary and Short Film Competition will be screened followed by award presentation to directors, and a panel discussion, moderated by film critic Peter Keough.

In the music program of the festival, the concert series will begin on April 6 with violinist Jülide Yalçın, the concert meister of Ankara Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Elif Önal.

On April 13, Burcu Karadağ, first professional female neyzen of Turkey, as well as internationally acclaimed kanun virtuoso Tahir Aydoğdu, will perform in an exceptional concert to be preceded by a kanun and ney workshop.

Neotolia’s album release concert for “Neotolian Song” will be on April 22 with many distinguished artists joining Neotolia as guest musicians. All concerts will take place at the Goethe-Institut Boston and all films will be screened in Turkish with English subtitles.