59 Films from 21 Countries in Izmir!

Organized by Bornova Municipality, the 6th International Bornova Short Film Days will bring together 59 short films from 21 countries with cinema lovers between April 24–26. In addition to screenings, the festival will feature talks, workshops, special selections, and a Pitching Platform. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the festival has turned Bornova into a creative meeting point for cinema.

The International Bornova Short Film Days will take place on April 24–25–26, 2026, in the Bornova district of Izmir. Organized by the Bornova Municipality Film Office, the festival brings together the creative freedom and diverse storytelling forms of short films.

The program includes a total of 59 short films in fiction, documentary, and animation genres. Productions from 21 different countries will meet audiences in Bornova, offering an international cinema experience.

In addition to screenings, the festival will feature:
Director and actor talks, cinema workshops, a short film poster exhibition, and special thematic selections.

New categories and special selections

This year, the festival introduces the Student Films category for the first time, aiming to highlight the works of young filmmakers. The program also includes:
Student Film Selection, Children’s Film Selection, and a “Fashion Films Special Selection and Talk” organized in collaboration with the Fashion Film Association.

Hosted at two key venues in Bornova

Festival events will be held at Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Art Center and Dramalılar Mansion, turning these two important cultural venues into hubs of cinema for three days.

Supporting new projects with the Pitching Platform

As part of the festival, a Pitching Platform will be organized to support short film projects to be shot in Izmir. This platform will provide young and independent filmmakers with the opportunity to develop their projects and connect with industry professionals.

Mayor Eşki: “We are making Bornova a meeting point for cinema”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the importance of the festival:
“Short film is one of the most creative and free areas of cinema. By growing this event in Bornova, we both support young filmmakers and bring our city together with culture and art more strongly. The International Bornova Short Film Days has become an important cultural platform that prioritizes sharing and creative dialogue.”

Not competition, but sharing and inspiration

The International Bornova Short Film Days focus on sharing and interaction rather than competition. The festival aims to bring filmmakers, students, and audiences together to generate new ideas and inspire one another.