TURKEY: Sinematek, Istanbul
TURKEY: Sinematek, Istanbul
Sinematek/Sinema Evi, in its restored historical building since autumn 2021, started its works for protecting film heritage and disseminating film culture in 2018. It is an institution founded by Kadıkoy Municipality at the initiative of Jak Salom, a member of the founding team of the legendary Turkish Cinematheque Association, which was closed down by the military coup d’etat in 1980, after achieving a great progress in the development of cinema literacy and dissemination of universal film culture in Turkey. Set out with the intention of resuming the legacy of the first cinematheque, Sinematek/Sinema Evi is designed as a modern interpretation of the idea of a cinematheque adapted to the needs of our community, focusing more on the public screenings, film events such as lectures, panel discussions, analyses, debates and other educational programs with the primary goal of developing an audience with a deeper understanding of cinema as an art form.
Dedicated to preserving film heritage, promoting film culture, and enhancing cinema literacy within the community, Sinematek conducts year-round programming activities. This includes screenings, film events, restorations, archive work, and library services, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation of cinema as an art form. The main program focuses on the groundbreaking directors and cinematic movements, while the side programs explore diverse forms, content, and thematic explorations. Focused on supporting film production in Turkey, Sinema Evi serves also as an open space for independent filmmakers. It encourages the convergence of filmmakers, cinema professionals, film critics, and academics, fostering research, discussions, and creative processes. The Sinematek/Sinema Evi Library serves as a thematic research hub dedicated to written and printed works on cinema. And the archive collection primarily consists of original screenplays, posters, promotional materials, and recorded oral history studies.
Sinematek/Sinema Evi is committed to an ambitious agenda, including annual film restorations, expanding audience connections, enriching our archive, diversifying program offerings, and securing resources for sustainable growth.