The fourth annual Ankara Korean Film Festival concluded successfully after a two-day run on August 30-31, drawing enthusiastic crowds and high-profile attendees to celebrate Korean cinema in Turkey's capital. The festival, organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Turkey and supported by the Korean Film Council, has established itself as a significant cultural event promoting Korean-Turkish cultural exchange through film.
The festival's opening ceremony attracted notable dignitaries including Jeong Yeondoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkey, along with members of the diplomatic corps, local Korean Wave (Hallyu) enthusiasts, and members of the Korean community residing in Ankara. The prestigious gathering highlighted the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between Korea and Turkey, with the film festival serving as a bridge for cross-cultural understanding.
The festival showcased four diverse Korean films at the Paribu Cineverse theater located in Cepa Mall, with screenings that consistently filled the venue with eager audiences. The festival opened with "Smugglers," setting the tone for a program that included acclaimed Korean films "Secret" and "A Normal Family." These carefully selected movies represented different genres and themes, offering Turkish audiences a comprehensive look at contemporary Korean cinema and storytelling.
In his congratulatory address to festival attendees, Ambassador Jeong Yeondoo emphasized the universal power of cinema as a cultural connector. "I believe many of you are familiar with the film K-POP Demon Hunters, which has recently gained sensational popularity worldwide," the ambassador noted. "I think cinema is a wonderful medium that allows people of different nationalities and cultures to easily connect and find common ground."
The ambassador further expressed his hopes for expanded cultural cooperation between the two nations, stating, "I hope to see more active and diverse exchanges between Korea and Turkey in the field of film." He also highlighted the educational value of the festival, adding, "I also hope that, through watching these films, you will gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and insight into the thoughts and perspectives of today's younger generation."
The festival's success reflects the growing popularity of Korean culture in Turkey and the broader Middle East region, part of the global Korean Wave phenomenon that has seen Korean entertainment gain international recognition. The strong attendance and positive reception suggest that the annual event has become an anticipated cultural highlight for cinema enthusiasts in Ankara, strengthening the foundation for future Korean-Turkish cultural collaborations.
