Editor

MEN ON THE BRIDGE

The London Turkish Film Festival (LTFF) is delighted to announce that the Festival Jury has awarded Asli Özge's MEN ON THE BRIDGE the inaugural Golden Wings Award. The prize, awarded at the Opening Gala on the evening of the 5th November, is a Digital Distribution Contract worth £15,000 and will support the film's release in the UK and Ireland.

MEN ON THE BRIDGE was chosen by the LTFF Jury ahead of other nominees Reha Erdem's MY ONLY SUNSHINE, Mahmut Fazul Coskun's Tiger Award winner WRONG ROSARY, THE SHADOWLESS, directed by Umit Unal and Atalay Tasdiken's THE BOGEYMAN. "All of the films eligible for the award displayed the depth and diversity to be found in contemporary Turkish cinema" explained Jason Wood, Director of Programming at Curzon Cinemas and member of the LTFF Jury.

He continued "However, for it's naturalistic performances, Altmanesque tapestry of contemporary life and characters, and its effective and emotionally engaging documentary aesthetic, we felt Asli Ozge's MEN ON THE BRIDGE to be a worthy recipient of the Golden Wings Digital Distribution Award".

MEN ON THE BRIDGE is the first theatrical feature by Asli Özge and was initially conceived as a documentary to demonstrate the realities of life in her hometown of Istanbul. Following three men whose lives are intrinsically connected to the Bosphorus Bridge, Asli Özge scripted the stories of her original subjects to match her inspiration. MEN ON THE BRIDGE has toured the international festival circuit to critical acclaim and several awards and, as the recipient of the Golden Wings Award, will soon be on theatrical release in the UK and Ireland.

Festival Director Vedide Kaymak said: "We're delighted to be in a position to provide this award and support the release of MEN ON THE BRIDGE in cinemas and beyond. It is a wonderful film with great potential to connect with audiences in the UK and Ireland and therefore a worthy recipient of the first Golden Wings award."

Turkish actress Turkan Soray was also honoured at the Opening Gala of the 15th London Turkish Film Festival with the legendary actress rewarded with a lifetime achievement award.

After the awards ceremony, the British Premiere of THE BOGEYMAN concluded the Opening Gala. The festival continues until the 19th November at the RIO Dalston and Apollo Piccadilly Circus with an exciting programme that includes a selection of Turkish features, documentaries and short films, with many UK premieres and directorial debuts.

For further information on the London Turkish Film Festival, please visit http://www.ltff.org.uk/