The Turkish Film Commission signed an international co-production agreement for the documentary film “A Life of Fermentation” during the 13th Silk Road International Film Festival, held in Xi’an, China, from September 19 to 23, 2026.
The agreement was signed by Li Xianfeng, Deputy General Manager of Shaanxi Tourism Group; Mehmet Sait Yardımcı, President of the Turkish Film Commission; and Nicolas Deschamps, President of the French Association of Co-Producers.
Bringing together partners from Türkiye, China and France, the agreement establishes a foundation for international cooperation on the documentary and reflects the growing potential for cross-border collaboration in film production, cultural storytelling and creative exchange.
Representing Türkiye as an international guest of the festival, Mehmet Sait Yardımcı also participated in the “Belt and Road Film Industry Development Dialogue.” Moderated by Wang Yilan, the session brought together international industry figures including Andrey Volgin, Yu Zhou, Isabelle Glachant and Zhang Miao to discuss new models of collaboration across global film markets.
Beyond the official festival programme, the Turkish Film Commission held a series of meetings focused on strengthening film, cultural and tourism relations between Türkiye and China. The discussions explored opportunities for future co-productions, professional exchanges and initiatives that could contribute to the international visibility of both countries.
During the festival, Yardımcı also met Hussein Fahmy, the renowned Egyptian actor and President of the Cairo International Film Festival, as part of the event’s wider international industry engagement.
The Turkish Film Commission extends particular thanks to Zhang Yuying and Duan Peng, Chairman of Sunnyway Films, whose support was instrumental in making the participation, meetings and international contacts possible. The Commission also acknowledges the valuable contributions of Zhang Keke and Shan Zixiao throughout the programme in Xi’an.
A Separate Türkiye–China Documentary Project
Separately from “A Life of Fermentation,” Sunnyway Films is preparing to film the documentary “WHEAT: The Seed of Civilization” in Türkiye. The production will be carried out by Sunnyway Films, chaired by Duan Peng, with Zhang Yuying playing a key role in the project’s coordination.
The two productions are independent projects. While “A Life of Fermentation” is the subject of the international co-production agreement signed in Xi’an, “WHEAT: The Seed of Civilization” represents a separate Türkiye–China documentary collaboration.
Through these initiatives, the Turkish Film Commission continues to strengthen Türkiye’s position as an international filming destination and to develop lasting partnerships across film, culture and tourism.
