Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Communication Faculty, Department of Cinema and Television organized a short film screening event on the occasion of 14 November, Global Movie Day. International award-winning two short films, Waves Washing the Shore by Halil Efe Akdemir and Feather by Nima Balazadeh Djavidani were screened during the event which took place at Purple Hall in Communication Faculty building.
Communication Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Senih Çavuşoğlu congratulated the students for their achievements and stated that such initiatives are promising. Saying that EMU students having their work screened in international festivals makes EMU family proud, Prof. Dr. Çavuşoğlu said that as the Communication Faculty Dean’s Office, they have initiated the process which will provide opportunity for students to be part of more festivals.
EMU Cinema and Television Department Head Prof. Dr. Bahire Efe Özad expressed that, following a revision of the course program, they have brought the students together with producers who are experts in the field and, provided opportunity for students to see real-life film sets operating in Cyprus. Emphasizing that films shot by EMU students are now being shown in both national and international film festivals, Prof. Dr. Özad added that Emre Oskay and Ömer Evre are both currently teaching at the department and also provide students a part in their film projects. Congratulating the successful students, Prof. Dr. Özad stated that this kind of events are organized with the purpose of encouraging other students to step up and start shooting films.
Halil Efe Akdemir also made a statement on the topic by saying; “175 refugees entered to TRNC from Dipkarpaz coast towards the end of March 2020. During that time period, Covid-19 was still very new in our lives and the uncertainty that it brought was of great importance in terms of where these people would be placed. On social media platforms, I saw people many people who offered all kinds of help during that time but, unfortunately I also saw a group which was condescending and unwilling to help. Bearing this problem in mind, which is not only on the agenda of Cyprus but also in the world, I thought the issue should be addressed universally and, I tried to explain the different lives of two children in a single frame, inspired by the '5 Obstacles' document by Jorgen Leth and Lars von Trier. Our project was awarded with Audience Award from the 21 Islands Short Film Festival. In addition to this, we achieved to be finalists for 2 times, 1 semi-finalist for 1 time and 4 screening selections. Therefore, we were able to create awareness not only in Cyprus but also in countries such as America, Italy, Turkey, Argentina and England”.
Peiman Hojiati who worked in the same project with Nima Balazadeh Djavidani touched in the matter as well and said: “Situations such as showing films produced by students and winning awards are very useful for new students as an example of what they can achieve by using the facilities at the university. Students who have sent films to the festivals are acting as guides for those who also wish to send their own films to festivals. Films sent to the festivals reach a wide audience. My project titled “Feather” was chosen and screened in Delete TV, Vancouver Independent Film Festival, The Fine Arts Film Festival and, Magikal Charm Experimental Video and Film Festival. I am extremely glad”.
