The 2017 film 'Ayla' will open this year's Turkish Film Festival, held in celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Turkey. The film, co-produced in both countries, is based on the true story of a Turkish soldier who looked after an orphaned girl during the Korean War.
By Kang Gahui and Lee Hana
Photos = Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Seoul
The Turkish Film Festival will kick off this weekend in Seoul and run from Oct. 27 to 29 in celebration of 60 years of diplomatic ties between Seoul and Ankara. The festival will take place at the CGV Yeouido movie theater.
This is the second time in 10 years that Seoul is hosting a Turkish Film Festival. Previously, it was held to celebrate the 50th year of diplomatic relations.
The 2017 film "Ayla" will be screened as the festival's opening film.
The film, set against the backdrop of the Korean War (1950-53), is based on the true story of a Turkish soldier, Suleyman, who saves an orphaned Korean girl. The soldier names the girl Ayla and the two form an inseparable bond.
"Ayla" was recently submitted as Turkey's official candidate in the race for best foreign language film at the 90th Academy Awards in the U.S. The film will be shown to the Korean public for the first time at the festival.
In addition to the opening film, six other films will be screened at the festival.
The list includes: "Winter Sleep" (2014), the recipient of the Palme d'Or at the 67th Cannes Film Festival, "Big Big World" (2016), winner of the special jury prize at the 73rd Venice Film Festival, as well as "Cold of Kalandar" (2015), "The Mountain 2" (2016) and "Love Just a Coincidence" (2011).
All films at the festival will be offered free of charge to the public on a first-come, first- served basis. Tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the start of the film.
More information on the festival can be found at the link below:
www.facebook.com/turkishfilmfestival2017
The Turkish Film Festival, held in celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Turkey, will be held at Seoul's CGV Yeouido movie theater from Oct. 27 to 29.
kgh89@korea.kr