Halic Goldenhorn Film Festival & Market

Rules & Terms
Film submissions for consideration in the final program of the Haliç Goldenhorn International Film Festival must comply with the official Festival Regulations and Pre-Selection Conditions.
Only submissions made in accordance with these provisions will be eligible for selection and competition.

Organizers
Fotofilm Culture and Art is the founder and organizer of the Haliç Goldenhorn International Film Festival.
The festival is held annually at various prestigious venues across Istanbul, Turkey, and is supported by several governmental, non-governmental, and film industry organizations.

Objectives
The Haliç Goldenhorn International Film Festival aims to promote and support the global development of cinematic art.
Its mission is to serve as a convergence point for both national and international film industries, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The spirit of the festival lies in discovery — striving to act as a catalyst for the advancement of cinema worldwide.
This goal is further realized through the festival’s professional platforms, including the Haliç Goldenhorn Film Bazaar, seminars, masterclasses, and panel discussions.

Article 1 – Film Selection
The Board of Selectors chooses and invites films to be presented in both competitive and non-competitive sections of the festival.
Eligible competition categories are:
• International Competition – Feature Films
• International Competition – Short Fiction Films
• International Competition – Documentary Films
• Turkey Competition – Feature Films
• Turkey Competition – Short Fiction Films
• Turkey Competition – Documentary Films
Submissions will be accepted only if they match the profiles above. Other films may participate by invitation only.
The standard festival screening format is DCP; other formats may be accepted upon request, depending on venue capability.

Article 3 – Withdrawal Policy
Once a film is officially selected and the invitation is accepted, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.
Any withdrawal after acceptance will make the entrant liable for damages as determined by the festival management.

Article 4 – Language and Subtitles
All films must be presented in their original language.
If the original language is not Turkish, the DCP or screening format must include English and Turkish subtitles (unless otherwise approved).
All subtitling expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Article 5 – Submissions
Applications for the International Feature, Short, and Documentary Competitions, as well as Turkish Feature Film Competitions, must be submitted directly to the festival.
The Festival's selection or rejection decision is final, and no correspondence regarding the outcome will be entertained.

Article 6 – Submission Materials
Each submission must include:
• A completed online or offline entry form
• An encrypted Vimeo/YouTube link or DVD/Blu-ray valid for at least 15 days before screening
• Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles
Submissions may also be sent by post, including a printed entry form and screener labeled with the film’s title, director’s name, and language of subtitles.
All shipments must be prepaid and sent to the address indicated on the entry form.
The Festival reserves the right to refuse any shipment that incurs additional costs.
6a. Materials Required for Selected Films
Selected films must send the following materials by email only:
• Director’s photograph (JPEG)
• Director’s biography and filmography (max. 200 words)
• One or more film stills (high-resolution JPEGs)
• Dialogue or spotting list in English (SRT file)
• Film trailer or clips (links, DVD, or Blu-ray)
• Film poster (JPEG, digital copy only)
• CBFC certification, if available (for Turkish films only)
6b. For Films in Competition
Additionally, the following materials are required:
• Photos of leading actor(s)/actress(es) (high-resolution JPEGs)
• Biographies and filmographies of leading actor(s)/actress(es) (max. 200 words)
• List of cast and crew members attending the festival (Word format)
None of the materials submitted will be returned.

Article 7 – Promotional Use
The Festival may use all submitted materials (as per Article 6) for promotional purposes and for inclusion in the Festival Catalogue (web and print).
The Festival is not responsible for any inaccuracies contained in materials submitted by participants.

Article 8 – Digital Video Library
During the festival, selected films will be accessible in the Digital Video Library, available exclusively to Film Bazaar professionals and journalists.
By participating, filmmakers grant permission for their films to be included in this library unless other arrangements are made in writing.

Article 9 – Shipping and Prints
All screening copies must arrive in Istanbul and remain available for the entire festival period.
Participants must follow the official shipping instructions provided upon acceptance.
The Festival covers one-way shipping costs and handles customs clearance in Turkey.
Prints will be returned within four weeks after the festival’s closing date.
The Festival’s insurance policy takes effect upon receipt of the print in Istanbul and remains valid until it is re-shipped.
In case of damage or loss, the Festival’s responsibility is limited to the cost of producing a new screening copy.
Any claim must be submitted in writing within one month of the print’s return.

Article 10 – Jury Composition
Each International Competitive Section will have a jury composed of distinguished representatives of film culture, theory, criticism, and production.
Three international and one Turkish jury member will be appointed for the following sections:
• International Competition – Feature Films
• International Competition – Short Films
• International Competition – Documentary Films
• Turkey Competition – Feature Films
• Turkey Competition – Short Films
• Turkey Competition – Documentary Films

Article 11 – Awards
Festival awards include the following categories. Festival delegates and accredited film critics will determine the Additional Viewers’ Choice Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Main Awards:
• Best International Feature Film
• Best International Director
• Best International Actor (Male)
• Best International Actor (Female)
• Best International Cinematography
• Best International Sound
• Best International Editing
• Best International Short Film
• Best International Documentary Film
• Best National Feature Film
• Best National Feature Director
• Best Male Playback
• Best Female Playback
• Critics’ Choice Award for Best Foreign Film
• Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Foreign Film
• Jury Special Prize – Best International Short Film
• Viewers’ Choice Award – Best International Short Film
• Jury Special Prize – Best International Documentary Film
• Viewers’ Choice Award – Best International Documentary Film
The Haliç Goldenhorn International Film Festival reserves the right to confer additional partner awards.

Article 12 – Award Attendance
Award winners are expected to attend the Festival Closing Ceremony in person.
Winners must mention the award title in all publicity and promotional materials related to the film.

Article 13 – Confidentiality
Invitations for films selected in competition must remain strictly confidential between the Festival Management and the Participant until the official public announcement.

Article 14 – Acceptance of Regulations
Participation in the Haliç Goldenhorn International Film Festival implies full acceptance of these regulations and pre-selection conditions.
The Festival Chairman holds final authority over all matters not covered by the present rules.

PRE-SELECTION CONDITIONS
Article 1 – Eligibility
• Films must not have been broadcast on television, the Internet, or VOD platforms.
• Feature films must exceed 60 minutes.
• Mid-length films must run between 30 and 60 minutes.
• Short films must run between 1 and 30 minutes.

Article 2 – Attendance
The producer of each selected film must ensure the presence of at least one cast or crew member (preferably the director or lead actor/actress).
The Festival provides two nights of accommodation for one invitee.

Article 3 – Promotion
Cast and crew attending the festival are expected to participate in press conferences, photocalls, screenings, and interviews organized by the festival.

Article 4 – Internet and Television Restrictions
Films previously exhibited on the Internet or VOD platforms are not eligible.
However, films not broadcast on television outside their country of origin are eligible.