Organized in collaboration with Near East University, Tehran University of Arts, Iran Academy of Arts, Dokuz Eylül University and Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, “1st International Middle East Cinemas Symposium” where Middle Eastern cinema will be discussed, will be hosted by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Fine Arts between 20-23 October, 2023.

In the symposium, which is planned to become a tradition, Middle Eastern cinema will be discussed on different topics and themes every year. The symposium, which aims to discuss the regional cinema in the light of the unique conditions of the Middle East geography, will bring together scientists, academics, artists and researchers from different countries. The first of the symposium, which will be held online and face to face in Turkish, Persian and English, will be held in Van this year. Next year, it will be hosted in Iran.

Famous directors meet with academicians!
In the symposium, “narrative”, which has been determined as the main theme this year, will be discussed within the framework of Middle Eastern Cinema in general. World-famous filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the regional cinema will also take part as guests in the three-day symposium, where each country’s unique cinema expressions will be featured. Along with famous directors Derviş Zaim and Semih Kaplanoğlu, Reza-Mirkarimi, one of the most important directors of the last period from Iran, and Hady Zaccak from Lebanese cinema will also take part in the symposium.

Additionally, academicians from Iran Academy of Arts and Tehran University of Arts; Sayed Alireza Golpayegani, Majid Sheikhasari, Mohsen Mozdbaran and Abdolhossein Laleh will also be among the speakers of the symposium. Also, the world premiere of Reza-MirKarimi’s latest film, “Night Guard”, will be held at the closing ceremony of the symposium.

Near East University will represent TRNC!
The TRNC will be represented by Near East University at the “1st International Middle East Cinemas Symposium” where Middle Eastern cinema will be discussed. Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli and Isfahan Sepehr Fine Arts University Rector Prof. Dr. are on the “Honor Board” of the symposium together with Hassanali Bakhtiar Nasrabadi. Also, Near East University Faculty of Communication Radio, Television and Cinema Department Head Prof. Dr. Fevzi Kasap takes part in the “Organization” and “Science” committees of the symposium, while Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Ufuk Çelik, teaching member of NEU, takes part in the Science Board and Dr. Serkan Fundalar takes part in the Executive Board.