Deniz Yavuz, a Turkish professional in the field of film festivals and the Artistic Director of the Antalya Golden Orange International Film Festival (Altın Portakal), served as a jury member in the Future Frame section at the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival.
Yavuz, who is responsible for programming, film selection, and shaping the artistic vision of one of Turkey’s most prestigious festivals, has revitalized the Antalya festival by balancing artistic ambition with practical management. His professional approach to festival organization has also made him a prominent jury member at international film events.
In this interview, he shares his observations on jury work, festival aesthetics, and the professional atmosphere of Iranian cinema, highlighting FIFF’s balance between global standards and local cultural identity.
As my first question, I wanted to ask you about the challenges you faced in the jury process with the other jurors. Were there any obstacles, such as differences of opinion?
Along with Mr. Eugène-Henri Moré and Mr. Mehdi Karampour, we went from one screening hall to another and watched the films. While watching each of the works in the festival, we shared our points of view and perspectives. I must tell you that there were no challenges in this process. In fact, during the judging of the films, no obstacles such as differences of opinion arose in our jury work and team, and everything went smoothly.
You are known in Turkey as an artistic director of festivals. Please share your opinion about the aesthetics, artistic direction, placement of booths, sessions, and even the screening halls.
The first thing I paid attention to upon arriving at the festival venue was the artistic direction of the Fajr International Film Festival. I tried to look for weaknesses or flaws. But there were no major weaknesses! In my opinion, the sessions, booth placements, and the festival’s aesthetics were very precise and calculated. I can confidently and assuredly tell you that the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival was on par with reputable global festivals in this regard. I know that there may have been some criticisms within the festival, but this is my opinion.
Does such an event take place in Turkey with this level of quality?
We strive for it to be so. When I looked at the visual elements of the Fajr International Film Festival, I encountered an event with identity, whose goal is to approach global standards. On the other hand, this event made efforts to showcase the indigenous, national, and civilizational features to the festival audience. This helps introduce the cultural symbols of Iran and the city of Shiraz to the festival participants, especially non-Persian speakers.
Mr. Yavuz, as a professional artistic director, do you have any suggestions for the Fajr International Film Festival moving forward?
In my opinion, it is very important for the festival to invite actors and filmmakers from diverse cultures. Paying more attention to this aspect would help strengthen the festival and make it even better in the coming years. With greater care in inviting international guests, the festival can continue to improve and move closer to a flawless edition.
After you experienced being in the jury at this festival, will you participate in Iranian cinema again?
Definitely! If invited, I will certainly come to Iran again. This professional atmosphere proved to me that Iran, besides producing professional works, can also professionally host festivals.
