As the founder of Dart Duvar, I’ve had the privilege of being part of various cultural events that celebrate the power of cinema to inspire change and spark meaningful conversations. One such remarkable experience was my participation in the Movies That Matter festival held in Den Haag, Netherlands.

The Movies That Matter festival is renowned for its international scope and commitment to showcasing films that tackle pressing social issues from around the world. Stepping into this vibrant atmosphere filled with diverse voices and perspectives was both exhilarating and humbling.

At the heart of my participation in the festival was the Turkish Cinema Revival Project, an exhibition that aimed to shine a spotlight on the rich cinematic heritage of Turkey. Through carefully curated posters and visuals, we sought to celebrate the artistry and cultural significance of Turkey’s cinema, inviting festival attendees to explore its nuanced narratives and themes.

One of the standout moments of the festival was my role as a host during the screening of Yilmaz Güney’s iconic film, “Yol.” Alongside esteemed figures such as producer Donat Keusch and president of the Antalya Film Festival Ahmet Boyacıoğlu, I had the privilege of guiding audiences through an immersive cinematic experience. Following the screening, we engaged in a lively Q&A session, delving into the themes and messages portrayed in the film, and exchanging insights with an eager audience.

The response to both my poster exhibition and hosting role was overwhelmingly positive. The vibrant visuals and thought-provoking narratives captured the attention of festival attendees, sparking conversations and reflections long after the screenings had ended. It was truly inspiring to witness the impact that art and storytelling can have in fostering empathy, understanding, and social change.

As I reflect on my experience at the Movies That Matter festival, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and transformative event. The festival’s commitment to championing human rights, justice, and equality through the medium of film is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite us in our shared humanity.

In conclusion, my journey at the Movies That Matter festival was nothing short of extraordinary. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of cinema and strengthened my resolve to continue using art as a catalyst for positive change. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this vital conversation and look forward to future collaborations that amplify the voices of storytellers from around the world.

Special thanks to the Movies That Matter team, particularly Imge Erdural, Fé Wielemakers, and Artistic Director Margje de Koning, for making this possible.