The power of education on the big screen: Applications open for the Turkic World Short Film Competition
Applications have opened for the 9th International Turkic World Education-Themed Short Film Competition, organized by Eğitim-Bir-Sen, one of Türkiye’s largest civil society organizations.
The competition brings together young filmmakers from across the Turkic world under the theme “The Transformative Power of Education.” It aims to showcase how education influences individuals and societies through the art of cinema.
Open to both amateur and professional directors from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, the competition will reward the best short films focusing on educational themes.
Applications can be submitted at www.ebskisafilm.org
and www.ebsshortfilm.org
The Story of Education Through Cinema
Eğitim-Bir-Sen seeks to raise awareness in education through the unifying power of art. This year’s competition focuses on films exploring the relationship between education and labor, aiming to bring the shared values of the Turkic world to the big screen.
The jury includes notable figures such as director and screenwriter İsmail Güneş, journalist Bedir Acar, film critic Enver Gülşen, and director Yeşim Tonbaz.
Awards and Application Details
Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the submitted films must not exceed 15 minutes in length.
Prizes:
- First Place: 80,000 TL
- Second Place: 60,000 TL
- Third Place: 40,000 TL
- Mehmet Akif İnan Special Award: 30,000 TL
- Erol Battal Union Frame Award: 20,000 TL
The application deadline is January 12, 2026, and the results will be announced on January 30, 2026.
