At the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale 2026), two films connected to Türkiye marked a standout moment on the festival’s main awards stage.
Golden Bear – Best Film
Gelbe Briefe (Yellow Letters) — İlker Çatak
Silver Bear – Grand Jury Prize
Kurtuluş (Salvation) — Emin Alper
Beyond the trophies, this outcome underlines something we see increasingly across major festivals: stories shaped by Türkiye’s cultural depth, contemporary realities, and cinematic language continue to resonate internationally — not only through locations, but through voice, perspective, and craft.
Why this matters
Berlinale has long been a festival where cinema engages with the world directly — socially, politically, and emotionally. The recognition of these two films highlights the continued relevance of bold storytelling and the international reach of filmmakers whose narratives speak beyond borders.
Turkish Film Commission perspective
At Turkish Film Commission, we welcome every moment that strengthens the international visibility of projects connected to Türkiye and the region. As a commission and industry platform, we continue to support international productions with:
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Location scouting & feasibility
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Permits and on-the-ground coordination
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Local production support (fixer / field producer services)
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Heritage-sensitive filming guidance and public coordination
We congratulate all teams behind “Yellow Letters” and “Salvation” on this remarkable recognition at Berlinale 2026.
If you are developing a film or series project and considering Türkiye for story, locations, or production, we’re always ready to support your process.
Contact us: https://turkishfilmcommission.org/contact-us/
