about

The Golden Baklava Film Academy 10th International Student Film Festival, to be held at Hasan Kalyoncu University in Gaziantep between December 9–11, 2025, is a vibrant cultural and artistic event that celebrates young talents. The festival aims to honor short films produced by university students in the categories of documentary, fiction, animation, and artificial intelligence. Its primary objectives are to inspire young directors to create new works, engage cinema enthusiasts, contribute to the development of the film industry, and support the recognition of emerging filmmakers on both national and international platforms

This year, for the first time, the festival will include a newly introduced special category titled “KIPKISA.” Dedicated to films with a maximum runtime of 90 seconds, KIPKISA is designed as a creative space particularly for newcomers to film education and early-career creators. The category encourages students to craft intellectually rich narratives using limited time and resources, while making visible the expressive power and creative potential of ultra-short cinematic forms. Positioned as a forward-thinking platform, KIPKISA supports contemporary approaches to the evolving modes of film production and storytelling in a digital age marked by the rapid transformation of visual culture.

With participation from students of film schools worldwide, the Golden Baklava Film Academy International Student Film Festival has established itself as a truly international event. One of its most significant aims is to contribute to the global visibility of Gaziantep and Türkiye in the fields of education and the arts.

The Festival and Film Academy offers young people—whether already involved in cinema or just discovering it—an opportunity to showcase their work and talents. Finalist filmmakers are invited to participate in various workshops, providing a valuable space for professional growth and creative exchange. Additionally, they have the opportunity to meet and interact with members of the jury, composed of leading directors, producers, and actors from the Turkish film industry.