Pushing the boundaries of cinema since 2017
We believe experimental cinema is essential for the evolution of the medium. Our festival serves as a catalyst for artistic innovation, bringing together filmmakers who challenge conventional storytelling and explore new forms of cinematic expression.
By showcasing bold, unconventional works from around the world, we aim to expand the definition of cinema and inspire both creators and audiences to embrace new possibilities in moving image art. In addition to screenings, we are committed to fostering a space for learning and exchange through educational programs, workshops, and artist talks that support the development of emerging and established practitioners alike.
Moving beyond film, we embrace performance-based works and interdisciplinary practices, pushing the boundaries of exhibition formats and exploring new ways of experiencing moving images. Through this expanded approach, we seek to question and redefine what cinema can be.
9
Years Running
7
Editions
636+
Films Screened
622+
Filmmakers
66+
Countries
Over 5,000 films submitted from around the world in the inaugural year; 70+ films screened over 5 days.
Jak Şalom, one of the founders of the Cinematheque, served as jury president.
Films by Jon Jost, a pioneering figure in American experimental cinema, were screened in Turkey for the first time. At the festival party, 78-year-old Jon Jost grabbed a guitar and leaped onto the stage.
More than 40 guest directors, artists, curators, and academics from all corners of the world came to Istanbul.
The "Expanding Cinema" program — with Katy Smith, Chris Meigh-Andrews, Terry Flaxton, Tetsuya Maruyama and Paolo Simoni — hosted talks, screenings, and performances spanning data art to quantum technology's impact on art.
The festival was postponed due to the pandemic because we do not believe in the concept of an online festival.
Instead, the "Screening Room" online film program ran throughout the 9 months spent in quarantine.
The post-pandemic festival spread across the city — 9 days across 8 different venues.
130 short and feature-length films presented to audiences.
Fueled by post-pandemic energy, the festival featured countless parties and performances with over 30 artists and musicians taking part.
A three-week filmmaking workshop under the festival's umbrella supported experimental filmmaking in Turkey — many participants produced a film, and a large portion went on to screen at various festivals.
A Stan Brakhage retrospective stood out in the festival program.
The "Cybernation: Radical Software" program, featuring Elizabeth Koffman, Ted Hardin, Davidson Gigliotti, and Beryl Korot, drew great interest.
The festival's visual and institutional identity was renewed. Having taken place in November since 2018, the festival moved to May.
Turkey premiere rate reached 96%; International premiere rate reached 28%.
Artificial intelligence was used in 10% of the films featured at the festival.
The festival established FORA (Filmmaker's Open Research Area) and held its first Project Development Workshop — 10 expert mentors contributed to the development of 12 selected projects.
The ZeNistan live documentary experience centered on the legendary 1990s band ZeN, featuring a live performance by Murat Ertel with Serdar Kökçeoğlu and Elif Dizdaroğlu presenting and discussing the ZeN archive.
Founding Director
Project Coordinator
Programmer
Programmer
FORA Instructor
FORA Instructor
Editor
Editor
Party Beast
Web Developer
Istanbul Experimental is organised by Medya Sanatları Derneği (MEDART), a non-profit association dedicated to promoting media arts and experimental cinema in Turkey.
Through screenings, workshops, and community programmes, we work to foster a vibrant ecosystem for artists pushing the boundaries of moving image.
An initiative of Medart Association