As the countdown begins for the 61st Golden Orange Film Festival, Antalya’s streets are once again adorned with the iconic gold-colored Venus statues, symbolizing the city’s rich cinematic heritage.
These statues, depicting Venus holding an orange, have become a beloved feature of the festival, gracing key locations across the southern province and transforming Antalya into a lively celebration of cinema.
This year, municipal teams worked meticulously to restore and repaint 64 Venus statues, which now stand proudly along major roadways and junctions throughout the city. Their dazzling gold hue and striking stance are capturing the attention of both locals and tourists, adding to the excitement surrounding the festival.
The festival, running from October 5 to 12, will feature a diverse range of films, with 12 feature-length films and 10 short films competing for prestigious awards. The documentary category will also see eight films vying for recognition.
As Türkiye’s longest-running film festival, first launched in 1964 by then-Antalya Mayor Avni Tolunay, the Golden Orange holds a special place in the country’s cultural landscape. However, the festival made headlines last year when its 60th edition was canceled amid controversy surrounding the documentary Kanun Hükmü (The Decree), which was excluded from the competition after initially being selected. The film, focusing on individuals dismissed under the state of emergency following the failed 2016 coup in Türkiye, sparked a backlash from filmmakers who condemned the move as censorship.
Despite last year’s controversy, the 61st edition is set to bring together art enthusiasts from across the country, reaffirming Antalya’s role as a hub for Turkish cinema.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
