Winners Announced in 3rd Iva Natura Short Film Competition

The rich vegetation of Anatolian lands has flourished on the silver screen, contributing to the cosmetics sector. The 3rd Iva Natura Short Film Competition Gala, a first in Turkey addressing the contribution of Anatolian plants to beauty and health, took place at Istanbul Akatlar Culture Centre. The evening was hosted by Cem İşçiler and Eda Nur Hancı, with jury members and supporting organizations in attendance. The jury comprised Prof. Dr. İrem Çankaya, Bahriye Kabadayı Dal, Associate Prof. Dr. Nagihan Çakar Bikiç, Oya Ayman, Özcan Yüksek, Jale Atabey, Uğur İçbak and Pınar Öncel. The first prize was won by Gül Merve Akıncı for the film Hevsel, the second prize by Derya Manaz for the film Karakılçık, and the third prize by Gökmen Küçüktaşdemir for the film Can Nene.

Awards find their recipients

Supporting organizations included Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Kocaeli University, Sustainable Living Association, Good4Trust and Real Economy Association, as well as Aromader. Those receiving awards for their commitment to sustainability, support for ecological living and environmental sensitivity were: Rana Turgut on behalf of EGET Foundation, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çamsarı on behalf of Mersin University, and Yasemin Durmaz on behalf of Aromaterapimarket. Celal Toprak, Chair of the Association of Economics Journalists, Anadolu Agency Reporter Ayşe Büşra Erkeç, and Gökhan Karakaş of Milliyet Newspaper, who received appreciation awards for their environmentally and nature-conscious reporting work, were also among those attending the event. Opening remarks were made by Levent Kahrıman, General Manager of Iva Natura & Laber Kimya and architect of the project: "Short films, which play an important role in conveying thoughts and ideas to audiences effectively and clearly, are among the best guides in telling the stories of plants. In this context, the short films shot within the scope of this competition offer the opportunity to properly utilize the diversity of plants in Anatolian lands and the beauty that nature has given us. Short films contribute both to raising awareness of the value of our plant wealth and to gaining a closer understanding of the applications of plants intensively used in cosmetics. I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to the Short Film Competition, which we held for the third time this year," he said. The organization, which featured film screenings and presentations introducing Anatolian plants, was attended by a large audience and provided a wonderful evening.