The award ceremony of the 13th International Crime and Punishment Film Festival took place at Atlas 1948 Cinema on Thursday, November 23, 2023. The film “Transient Verses,” directed by Alireza Khatami and Ali Asgari, received the Best Film award in the “International Golden Scale Feature Film Competition.” Pınar Altuğ Atacan and Hakan Bilgin hosted the award ceremony.
Festival President Adem Sözüer: “We continue to say ‘Justice for Everyone.’”
Festival President Adem Sözüer stated, “We hosted directors, actors, producers, and legal professionals who are dedicated to cinema from around the world. We continue to say ‘Justice for Everyone,’ which is our motto.”
Festival Director Bengi Semerci: “A special thanks to our volunteer team.”
Bengi Semerci, the director of the 13th International Crime and Punishment Film Festival with the theme “Justice for Everyone,” thanked the hosts Pınar Altuğ Atacan, Hakan Bilgin, Istanbul University, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the Ministry of Culture, and the volunteer team during her speech at the award ceremony.
“Golden Scale Feature Film Competition” Best Film Award: “Transient Verses”
The international “Golden Scale Feature Film Competition” awarded the Best Film prize to the film “Transient Verses.” The award was handed over to the film team to be conveyed to the directors Alireza Khatami and Ali Asgari. Co-director Ali Asgari expressed his gratitude for the award in a video message, greeting the Palestinian people.
“Golden Scale Feature Film Competition” Jury Special Award: “Burden of Life”
The international “Golden Scale Feature Film Competition” jury special award was given to the film “Burden of Life.” The award was presented to the director Amr Gamal to be conveyed to the festival committee.
“Golden Scale Short Fiction Film Competition” Best Film Award: “Yellow”
The Best Film award in the “Golden Scale Short Fiction Film Competition” went to the film “Yellow.” The award was presented to the director Erhan Esas to be conveyed to the festival committee.
“Golden Scale Short Fiction Film Competition” Jury Special Award: “Me, You, He, We, You, They”
The jury special award in the “Golden Scale Short Fiction Film Competition” was given to the film “Me, You, He, We, You, They.” The award was presented to the director Sevin Yaman.
“Golden Scale Short Documentary Film Competition” Best Documentary Film Award: “Children of the White Mountain”
In the “Golden Scale Short Documentary Film Competition,” the award for the Best Documentary Film went to “Children of the White Mountain.” The award was presented to the director Yalçın Çiftçi.
“Golden Scale Short Documentary Film Competition” Jury Special Award: “Syrian Cosmonaut”
In the same competition, the jury special award was given to the film “Syrian Cosmonaut.” The award was presented to Enis Özkul.
“Student Jury Award”: “The Sleep of the Crow”
The “Student Jury Award” was given to the film “The Sleep of the Crow.” The award was presented to the director Tunahan Kurt by the student jury.
Habertürk Audience Award: “Green Border”
The “Habertürk Audience Award” was determined by the votes of the viewers. This year, the audience chose the film “Green Border” for the award. The award was presented to the director Agnieszka Holland. The individuals who will watch the festival films next year were determined through a draw in front of the audience.
SIYAD Jury Award “Mermaid”
The SIYAD (Association of Cinema Writers) jury for the 13th International Crime and Punishment Film Festival Golden Scale Feature Film Competition, consisting of Aslı Ildır, Rıza Oylum, and Sezen Sayınalp, awarded the film “Mermaid.” The award was presented to the director Sepideh Farsi to be given to Alin Taşçıyan.
Cinema professionals gathered at VisionIST “Industry Days”
At the 13th International Crime and Punishment Film Festival, the fifth VisionIST “Industry Days” brought together cinema professionals with film enthusiasts at Beyoğlu Metrohan.
VisionIST, consisting of workshops, panels, and masterclasses, aimed to facilitate the acquaintance and communication of national and international professionals from different generations in the industry, contributing to their productions. VisionIST “Industry Days” were live-streamed on the festival’s YouTube platform.
Academic Program “Freedom of Expression”
The academic program of the 13th International Crime and Punishment Film Festival took place from November 17 to November 23 under the theme “Freedom of Expression.”
Screening after the award ceremony
Following the festival’s award ceremony, the film “Shayda,” directed by Noora Niasari, was screened at Atlas 1948 and Kadıköy Cinemas.
Transient Verses
Terrestrial Verses
DCP / Color / 77′
Farsi; with Turkish and English subtitles
Iran, 2023
Director
Alireza Khatami, Ali Asgari
Screenplay
Alireza Khatami, Ali Asgari
Cast
Bahram Ark, Arghavan Shabani, Servin Zabetian, Sadaf Asgari, Faezeh Rad, Hossein Soleymanı, Majid Salehi, Farzin Mohades, Gouhar Kheir Andish, Ardeshir Kazemi
The film follows the lives of ordinary people from various walks of life who overcome cultural, religious, and institutional constraints imposed on them by various societal authorities, from teachers to bureaucrats. These short narratives, both humorous and touching, capture the strength and determination of individuals amidst challenges, presenting a nuanced portrait of a complex society.
