The Film Ekimi cinema festival will return to Diyarbakır (Amed) after a seven-year break, with screenings scheduled to take place from October 10-13 at Paribu Cineverse Diyarbakır Ceylan Cinema, Hall 2. The event will feature 20 films, including works shown at renowned international festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Toronto, and Locarno.
The 23rd edition of Filmekimi, organised by the İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), will first be held in İstanbul from October 4-13 before moving to Diyarbakır, Ankara, and İzmir. The return of Filmekimi to Diyarbakır follows the local election victory of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), which ended a period of government-appointed trusteeships that spanned two terms.
Cultural events, including those promoting Kurdish culture, were often restricted or canceled during the tenure of government-appointed trustees in Diyarbakır. Many of these events were banned under ‘security concerns’, raising criticism of policies viewed as undermining Kurdish cultural expression. After the change of administration, many cultural events started to be organised in the town.
As part of this year’s program, the Eczacıbaşı Young Ticket initiative, which offers discounted tickets, will also see an increased quota for young audiences in Diyarbakır, with tickets priced at 20 Turkish lira.
