What is the Istanbul Film Festival?
The Istanbul Film Festival is the city's principal film festival and, at 45 editions, one of Turkey's oldest cultural events. It is organised by IKSV and sponsored by N Kolay. The programme includes:
- International and Turkish premieres
- Competition strands, whose awards carry weight in Turkish cinema
- Retrospectives, the screenings regulars often plan around
When is the Istanbul Film Festival?
The Istanbul Film Festival takes place every spring. Its 45th edition ran from 9 to 19 April 2026. IKSV publishes each edition's dates and programme, so those April dates should not be carried forward to another year.
Where is the Istanbul Film Festival held?
Screenings take place in several cinemas across Istanbul, concentrated around Beyoglu and Sisli. Check the venue on each ticket before planning back-to-back films. A tight turnaround may work within Beyoglu, but it does not leave time for a Bosphorus crossing.
How much are Istanbul Film Festival tickets?
Screenings are ticketed individually through IKSV, typically around standard cinema prices. Student discounts and multi-screening packages have been offered in past years. 2026 prices were not confirmed for this page, so check the official site.
How to choose Istanbul Film Festival screenings
- Read the strand descriptions before picking from a 127-film programme.
- Check the subtitle languages on each screening's page. They vary by film.
