Turkish Cinema Will Sweep the Winds in the US: Applications Continue

TCFF Miami – Turkish Cinema Film Festival, which aims to introduce Turkish cinema to new audiences in the United States, is preparing to meet film enthusiasts in its inaugural year. The festival, to be held in Delray Beach, Florida, will accept short‑film submissions through September 30, 2026.

Turkish Cinema on October 25 in Florida

The first gathering of TCFF Miami will be held at the Movies of Delray cinema in Delray Beach on October 25, 2026.

The festival, which aims to bring together filmmakers from Turkey and locations worldwide, will feature short‑film screenings; the selected works will be judged by a jury and will identify the award recipients.

The festival team aims to go beyond the event’s focus on Turkey’s expatriate community in the United States, seeking to introduce Turkish cinema to American and international audiences.

The deadline for short film submissions is September 30.

Short film submissions for the festival can be made via FilmFreeway until 30 Eylül 2026.

Short films from Türkiye and various other countries, connected to Türkiye, and not exceeding 15 minutes in duration, may apply to the festival.

After the application process is completed, the films will be screened and evaluated by the festival jury. The selected works will be presented to audiences at Movies of Delray on 25 Ekim. The festival results will also be announced on the same day.

As the final weeks of applications approach, the festival team invites filmmakers living in Turkey and various countries around the world to submit their short films to TCFF Miami.

A Permanent Cinema Platform is Targeted in Florida.

TCFF Miami’s goals are not limited to a film festival held once a year. The festival team aims to create a sustainable cinema and cultural community around Turkish cinema in Florida.

In the coming periods, film nights, meetings with directors and filmmakers, workshops, and industry events will be organized; with programs that bring different cultures together through cinema, TCFF Miami is planned to become a year‑long living platform.

Gökhan Gökçay Heads the Festival

Festival Director Gökhan Gökçay has been working in cinema and production for about 18 years. Gökçay, who began his career in production and assistant directing in Turkey, also served within TRT Music.

Especially with his work in short films, Gökçay won various awards at international festivals before moving his film career to the United States.

Gökçay and the festival team aim to create a new meeting point through TCFF Miami where Turkish cinema can reach a wider audience in the United States.

A Five‑Person Jury Will Evaluate Films

In its inaugural year, a five‑member jury will evaluate the short films. Dr. Murat Akser, Tahir Canlı, Şahin Yiğit, Evren Suda, and Leo Baranes are on TCFF Miami’s 2026 jury roster.

The jury, composed of individuals with experience across various fields of cinema—from academics to directors and cinematographers—aims to assess submissions from diverse cinematic perspectives.

Festival organizers will continue to share detailed introductions of the jury members, as well as new program developments, up to the event date.

The festival will take place on 25 October in Delray Beach.

TCFF Miami – Turkish Cinema Film Festival will be held on 25 October 2026 at Movies of Delray, 7421 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, Florida.

Short‑film submissions will continue through 30 September 2026 via FilmFreeway.