International Antalya Film Festival, celebrating 53rd year this year, takes place in the ancient city of Antalya which is known for feasts, celebrations and festivals for 2,500 years.
It was first launched in 1964 and it became the most important and iconic cinematic event in Turkey. Its famous statuette is inspired from the most beautiful woman of the mythology; Venus symbol of beauty, love, prosperity, fertility and femininity. Its second inspiration comes from Antalya’s most valuable product and the city’s symbol; an orange. During the design phase, Antalya’s iconic symbol, a golden “orange” was placed in the hands of Venus. Thus, the award led to the festival and the festival led to the award as Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival started. In 2005, the festival added the title “International” before its name.
After half a century, it was decided for the award, which moved away from its original Golden Orange design of 1964 and was re-interpreted in various ways, to be reverted back to its original form. 51st International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival’s motto, “From Tradition to the Future” also emphasized the change in the award. The award, which was redesigned faithfully to its original by a famous Turkish jewelry firm URART, embraced the festival’s tradition and was designed in two forms, one being national and the other one being international.
Last year, the festival management dropped “Golden Orange” from the name to further improve the reputation of the festival and decided to proceed as “International Antalya Film Festival” from the year 52 onwards.
Inspired from Venus, Golden Orange award continues to carry the tradition to the future by depending on its roots in these lands and its strength coming from cinema.