‘Galactic Treasure’ got an award from Hong Kong

Ecem Çörtle, a student from Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Cinema and Digital Media, came third at the Infinite Frames Film Festival held in Hong Kong with her animated film ‘Galactic Treasure (Galaktik Hazine)’. Using the artificial intelligence software Midjourney, Çörtle's film tells the story of a young explorer named Faye on a journey through the galaxy to find a legendary treasure, earning her widespread acclaim for her unique work.

Organized by the University of Hong Kong and featuring young filmmakers from prestigious universities worldwide, the festival, received significant attention this year as well. Young people from various countries undertook meticulous work for months to win an award at this prestigious festival. IUE Department of Cinema and Digital Media student Ecem Çörtle brought great pride to Izmir by winning the award. The film ‘Bu Acıların Hepsi Daimi (All These Pains Are Permanent)’, prepared by Tuğrulbey Koç and Cemre Geçer, who are also studying in the same department, was among the works shown at the festival.

MADE A DIFFERENCE

Çörtle, who is going to graduate this year, expressed her happiness at winning the award, saying, “Artificial intelligence is rapidly increasing its impact in the cinema industry, just like in every other field. I wanted to create an exemplary, distinctive work in this area. Galactic Treasure, a film entirely scripted by me, was an animation I felt very good about and believed would attract attention. Winning such an important and prestigious award just before graduating made me very happy. I want to continue my career in the field I have studied and undertake new projects. This award has further increased my motivation and given me strength.”

PAVING THE WAY TO SUCCESS

Congratulating the students participating in the festival, Asst. Prof. Dr. Serkan Şavk from IUE Department of Cinema and Digital Media said, “What sets our department apart from the traditional cinema and television education offered at other universities is the focus on the intersections of cinema with rapidly developing digital media technologies. Technological developments and societal consumption trends show that the art of cinema is now integrated with interactive digital media technologies. Therefore, our department offers a program open to new forms and content of cinema, such as fiction, documentary, experimental, and interactive narratives produced/presented in the digital environment. These factors pave the way for our students' success.”