16/07/2024 - Turkey’s largest script-development platform has wrapped its latest edition with an awards ceremony by the Bosphorus Strait

The sixth edition of 12 Punto, organised by TRT to invigorate the cinema industry, has concluded with an awards ceremony this year. Held across three distinct platforms in Istanbul from 7-14 July, the script-development and co-production initiative saw the participation of over 40 filmmakers representing 30 countries.

TRT general manager Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, hosting the event, underscored its mission to bolster Turkish cinema through the promotion of original narratives. Sobacı emphasised how the platform united prominent figures from global film circles, including directors, producers, script consultants and festival organisers. He highlighted 12 Punto's dedication to nurturing Turkish cultural stories and enhancing the international presence of Turkish films from inception to distribution and beyond.

Sobacı stressed the significance of intellectual discourse and theoretical exploration in cultivating a dynamic cinematic environment, acknowledging the fact that impactful cinema thrives on robust dialogue and critical engagement. He also affirmed TRT's solidarity with global issues through film, exemplified by the inclusion of Palestinian movies in screenings aimed at raising awareness and fostering empathy. Sobacı condemned the misuse of cinema for propaganda purposes, advocating instead for authentic storytelling that captures diverse perspectives and truths.

The jury comprised distinguished figures from world cinema, including Hollywood star Ghassan Massoud, Cambodian documentary director Rithy Panh, Oscar-winning Polish director Paweł Pawlikowski, Oscar-winning producer Cat Villiers, and FIPRESCI president and film critic Ahmed Shawky, who all evaluated the projects. They granted the TRT International Co-Production Award to three projects, the TRT Co-Production Award to another three and the TRT Pre-Buy Award to three additional projects, plus they honoured six titles with Project Development Awards. In collaboration with TRT and the Sarajevo Film Festival, one finalist project received the Sarajevo Film Festival Cinelink Producer Award, continuing a tradition started last year.

Here are the winners of 12 Punto 2024:

Sarajevo Film Festival Cinelink Producer Award
Toz Baba Tekkesi - Mehmet Bahadır Er
Producers: Mehmet Bahadır Er, Maryna Er Gorbach

TRT International Co-Production Award
Echo - Ivica Vidanovic (Montenegro/Turkey)
Producers: Nikola Vukčević, Enes Erbay

Looping - Antonio Nuić (Croatia/Turkey)
Producers: Boris T Matić, Lana Matić (Propeler Film), Merve Sena Kiliç Haznevi (Moses Film)

Made in EU - Stephan Komandarev (Bulgaria/Germany/Czech Republic/Turkey)
Producers: Katya Trichkova, Furkan Besli

TRT Co-Production Award
Law of the Flies - Tunahan Kurt
Producer: Hasan Köroğlu

Recital of Bayram - Bekir Bülbül
Producer: Halil Kardaş

Salt of the Earth - Murat Eroğlu
Producers: Murat Eroğlu, Gözde Kural, Milad Khosravi

TRT Pre-Buy Award
The Battle of Hedgehogs - M Tayfur Aydın
Producers: Mariette Rissenbeek, M Tayfur Aydin

Hello - Ela Alyamaç, Aren Perdeci
Producers: Ela Alyamaç, Harutyun Kuran

My Happy Family - Alkım Özmen
Producers: Alkım Özmen, Samet Hamiş

Project Development Award
Blind - Hakan Yonat
Producer: Zeynep Koşar

Flood Plain - Hasan Tuna Balkan
Producers: Alara Hamamcıoğlu Bayraktar, Sinan Kesova

It - Emin Fırat Övür
Producer: Okan Üzey

Shot - Fatih Özcan
Producer: Osman Enes Yakut

Sleepless - Ahmet Yurtkul
Producers: Murat Saraçoğlu, Ahmet Yurtkul

Toz Baba Tekkesi - Mehmet Bahadır Er
Producers: Mehmet Bahadır Er, Maryna Er Gorbach