Istanbul 2004

Abstract

ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2004 The International Istanbul Film Festival celebrated its 23rd birthday between 10-25 April, 2004 with almost 200 films from around the world. The most successful films of the year were showcased in the main programme, which comprised the National and International Competition; Young Stars of the World Cinema; Cinema, the Mirror of Our Times and From the World Festivals sections. Since the 1980 closure of the Turkish cinematheque (founded in 1965 by a small group of art-loving intellectuals) by the military regime of the epoch, the festival has shouldered the dual role of preserving the film heritage through several homages and tributes in the sidebars. Among the film personalities receiving tributes are Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, Ken Russell, Bahram Bayzai, John Cassavetes and Turkey's only real auteur, Ömer Kavur. Marco Ferreri was this year's "cult figure" with four of his films. Greek master Theo...