The agreement was signed to exchange cinematic productions, as well as cultural opinions between the two countries.
Ahmet Atif Akin and Ali Peksen, the two instructors at the Department of Visual Communication Design and Dirk Michael Schaefer from the Department of Film and Television of the Bilgi University attended the session with Iranian scholars.
Ahmet Akin pointed to recent developments in Iran’s cinema and said that there are commonalities between the cinema of Iran and Turkey, and there is hope that joint projects between the two universities would have great impact on the cinema of both countries.
In his view, Iran’s cinema is more powerful than that of Turkey and Europe.
He also talked about the problems documentary filmmakers have in screening their productions and said that it requires creativity on the part of the filmmaker, since depending on public sectors will not help.
Ali Peksen was the next to speak and said that establishing a Ph.D. program for students from Iran and Turkey was one of the topics covered by the agreement.
“Bilgi University is well-equipped in digital programs, digital videos films and visual art sources and can be used for workshops by Iranian students. On the other hand, Iranian scholars are knowledgeable in film theory, screenplay, and editing and can teach the students at Bilgi,” Peksen said.
Holding joint workshops was also discussed at the session, Peksen said, adding that, “Nature would be the major topic on which the two universities agreed to make documentaries. And of course, they will be screened at the theaters of the Bilgi University.”
Schaefer, who teaches editing and documentary making, also remarked that additional time is required to get to know more about Iran’s cinema.
The guests also reviewed ways for Iranian students to hold exhibits in the areas of graphic designs, miniature and handicrafts and also for Bilgi students in Iran to hold a photo exhibit.
RM/YAW
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MNA