The closing ceremony of Turkey’s second Universal Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival took place on the evening of September 29th at the AKM Yeşilçam Cinema.
The closing ceremony of the second edition of the “Universal Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival” unfolded on September 29th at the AKM Yeşilçam Cinema. Addressing the audience at the festival’s closing ceremony, Festival Administrative Director Filiz Dağ expressed her satisfaction and excitement for having successfully organized the second edition of the festival, which was crafted with inspiration from the creative minds of young people, with a young team.
Festival Director Atilla Erkmen, in his speech, emphasized how artists and scientists throughout human history have been tested by various obstacles but have always pursued what they believed to be true. He noted that they have consistently been proven right and that no obstacle has stood in their way. Finally, Festival Deputy Director Melis Kalkan highlighted the importance of the collaboration between science and art, especially in making complex scientific concepts and terms more understandable for the general public. She emphasized that science fiction films lead the way in achieving this goal.
In addition to the award list below, the festival aimed to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres and to pave the way for new initiatives. The “National Contribution to Fantastic Science Fiction Cinema Award” was posthumously awarded to Özkan Uğur, a master of the music world who passed away in July.
Winners of the Universal Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival Awards:
- National Feature Film Award: “Gölgeler İçinde” (In the Shadows) – Directed by Erdem Tepegöz
- International Feature Film Award: “Archive”
- Best Screenplay Award: Murat Mıhçıoğlu and Zehra Yaman
- Best Visual Effects and Design Award: “Vesper”
- Best Sound Effects and Design Award: “Iguana Tokyo”
The second Universal Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival not only celebrated the vibrant world of imagination but also recognized and honored the creative minds behind the thought-provoking films that continue to inspire audiences worldwide.