Türkiye’s Oscar nominee ‘Hayat’ shines at Paris premiere

Türkiye’s contender for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, “Hayat” (Life), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zeki Demirkubuz, premiered to a packed audience in Paris on Sunday.

The screening, supported by Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, was held at the iconic Max Linder Panorama cinema, drawing 500 attendees, including diplomats, cultural figures, and cinema enthusiasts.

Cultural showcase accompanies premiere

Promotional materials highlighting Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, including Istanbul’s historic charm, Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, Turkish cuisine, and Eastern Anatolia’s allure, set the stage for the screening.

Fatma Ozsoy, culture and promotion counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Paris, delivered an opening speech emphasizing the significance of Hayat as a cultural ambassador for Türkiye.

International attention for Hayat

The Paris premiere follows Hayat’s earlier showcase on November 16 at the Hollywood Turkish Film and Drama Days, hosted at Sony Studios in Los Angeles. This international exposure underscores Türkiye’s growing presence in global cinema.

The audience in Paris responded with enthusiasm, highlighting the film’s universal themes and compelling storytelling. The event brought together representatives from various foreign missions, journalists, and fans of Turkish and French cinema, reflecting Hayat’s potential to resonate with a diverse international audience.

Türkiye’s cinema on world stage

“Hayat” symbolizes the burgeoning global appeal of Turkish cinema, with Zeki Demirkubuz at the helm as one of its leading voices.

The film’s submission for the Oscars is a testament to Türkiye’s cultural and cinematic contributions, positioning it firmly on the world stage.