History

The İzmir International Film and Music Festival was launched in 2021 through the collaboration of the Intercultural Arts Association and public-private sector organizations, with the aim of bringing a fresh perspective to Turkey’s cultural and artistic scene. Established with a belief in the complementary power of cinema and music, the festival continues to grow each year.

Since its first year, the festival has carved a niche among thematic festivals in Turkey by dedicating space to films about music and musical productions closely tied to cinema. With its screenings, talks, and thematic sections, the festival appeals to audiences across generations and transforms Izmir’s contemporary, dynamic, and creative identity into an artistic platform.

Over the past four years, the festival has increased its recognition locally, nationally, and internationally, contributing to the goal of making Izmir a city of cultural festivals. Inspired by its past, it progresses each year with a renewed structure, focused on production and sharing.

The first four years of the festival are seen as a period of establishing infrastructure, shaping identity, and discovering potential. In the coming years, it aims to grow with more comprehensive programs and interdisciplinary collaborations.

For detailed information about the festival programs and content from previous years, please visit our Archive – Posters and Catalogues page. You can also directly access each year's content via the links below: