The Adana Golden Boll Film Festival was first held in 1969, inspired by the vision of Ziya Darendeli, a cinema-loving high school teacher who wanted to foster a love of cinema among the people of Adana. Organized under the leadership of Adana Municipality and the Adana Cinema Club, the event was initially held under the name Golden Boll Film Festival.

Visual: Fatma Girik

Erksan, Girik, and Güney Leave Their Mark…

That same year, the jury convened under the chairmanship of renowned novelist and screenwriter Kemal Tahir. Acclaimed filmmaker Metin Erksan won awards for Best Director and Best Film for his movie The Well (Kuyu). Fatma Girik received the Best Actress Award for her role in Ezo Gelin, while Yılmaz Güney was awarded Best Actor for his performance in Seyyit Han.

Visual: Filmmakers

Interrupted by Various Challenges

Although the Adana Golden Boll Film Festival was interrupted in certain years due to financial difficulties, the uncertainty following the 1980 military coup, and the allocation of resources to support those affected by the earthquakes in Adana and Istanbul, it continues today to welcome filmmakers from Türkiye and around the world and remains an important film festival.

Visual: Cotton Boll

The Symbol of the Festival

Over time, the cotton boll, one of Çukurova’s most iconic symbols, also became the symbol of the Adana Golden Boll Film Festival. Supporting Turkish cinema through its awards, the festival provides filmmakers with Golden Boll statuettes and plaques, as well as financial prizes, every year.

Visual: Golden Boll Award

Categories

The Golden Boll Film Festival presents awards in categories including Best Film, Director, Screenplay, Actor, Actress, Music, Cinematography, Art Direction, Editing, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Promising Young Actress, Promising Young Actor, Documentary, and Short Film. Additional awards include the Yılmaz Güney Award, Jury Special Award, Adana Audience Award, Student Film Awards, and the SİYAD Best Film Award.

Visual: Open-Air Cinema

Hundreds of Films on the Big Screen

Every year, the Adana Golden Boll Film Festival welcomes filmmakers from Türkiye as well as hundreds of international filmmakers. Temporary cinemas are set up throughout the city and its districts, while exhibitions, workshops, and talks are organized. Drawing significant public interest, the festival brings hundreds of productions to moviegoers.