From Berlinale to Istanbul Film Fest

Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) and sponsored by Akbank, the 34th Istanbul Film Festival will run from April 4 to April 19. The festival will screen films that were awarded at this year's Berlinale. Here are some of the films which will be featured during the festival:

TaxiIranian director Jafar Panahi's film "Taxi," which won the Golden Bear at the 65th International Berlin Film Festival, documents the dialogue between passengers and a taxi driver via a camera placed inside the taxi. Panahi sits behind the wheel and drives through the capital city Tehran to lend an ear to the voice of the people of Iran. The interviews, comments and intimate answers from different people who traveled in Panahi's taxi include elements of both drama and comedy. The film draws a warm portrait of Iranian society.

45 Years

Andrew Haigh, who won many awards with his previous film "Weekend," presents his latest film, "45 Years," which is an adaptation of David Constantine's short story of the same name. Two veteran figures of British cinema, Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, won a Golden Bear for Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively. The film recounts the story of a couple who are about to celebrate their 45th anniversary. A letter that they received on the day of the anniversary starts a new phase in their marriage.

Body

Malgorzata Szumowska was nominated for a Golden Bear two years ago for her film "W imie ..." (In the Name of ...), which was screened during the 32th Istanbul Film Festival. The director was able to win the Golden Bear for Best Director at this year's Berlinale with her newest film "Cialo" (Body). The dark comedy focuses on the hardships that people face when they lose someone they love.

Prince

Sam de Jong proves both his writing and directing skills in his latest drama, "Prins" (Prince). The film recounts the story of low-income youngsters in Amsterdam who try to impress beautiful girls with luxurious cars, Rolexes and designer clothes. "Prins," which was the opening film of the Berlin Film Festival's Generation category, received an Honorable Mention from the jury of the festival.

Out of Nature

Directed by Ole Giaver and Marte Vold, "Mot Naturen" (Out of Nature), portrays a 30-something man who takes trips inside his head portrayed via an intimate and funny narration. The film debuted at the Toronto Film Festival and was screened in the Panaroma section at the 65th International Berlin Film Festival. The film was chosen as the Best European Film.

Victoria

"Victoria," which won the Silver Bear for outstanding artistic contribution for cinematography at this year's Berlin Film Festival, takes its name from a young woman who recently moved to Berlin and earns her living by working at a café. During her first days in the city, Victoria is caught up in a chain of unbelievable events including a bank robbery. The 140-minute film, which is composed of a single plan, offers drama, comedy, romance and crime all at the same time. Directed by Sebastian Schipper, "Victoria" won the Special Prize from the German Artistic Cinema Association and the Morgenpost Audience Award.

Everything Will Be Fine

Director Wim Wenders's "Every Thing Will Be Fine," which was screened at the Berlinale outside the competition categories, will also be in the selection of the 34th Istanbul Film Festival. The 3-D film, which stars James Franco, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Rachel McAdams and Marie-Josée Croze, centers on an author who caused a fatal traffic accident and has been examining the effects of this accident on his psyche for the last 12 years. Norwegian Bjorn Olaf Johannessen wrote the screenplay and Alexander Desplat composed the music. Moreover, Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado's Oscar-nominated documentary "Salt of the Earth," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, will also be screened at the Istanbul Film Festival.

Ned Rifle

U.S.-based, expert independent film-maker, Hal Hartley, puts an end to his trilogy that started with "Henry Fool" in 1997 and continued with "Fay Grim" in 2006 with his latest film, "Ned Rifle." The film, which recounts the story of the Grim family and the changes in America, was also written and produced by Hartley. "Ned Rifle" focuses on revenge, failure and family bonds. It debuted at the Toronto Film Festival and screened in the Panorama section of the International Berlin Film Festival.

Short Skin

"Short Skin," which is the directorial debut of Italian Duccio Chiarini, tells the story of 17-year-old Eduardo, who has been suffering since childhood from phimosis, a penis malformation which prevents him from experiencing sexual satisfaction. The film made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and its international premiere in the Generations category of the 65th International Berlin Film Festival. While "Short Skin" makes fun of Italian families, it narrates the pains of adolescence as well as the mystery of sexuality for young people in a comic style.

H.

"H." made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and its international premiere at the Venice Film Festival. It won the Acura Someone to Watch Award at the Independent Spirit Awards. Screened in the Panorama section of the 65th Berlinale, the film offers science fiction, mystery and drama at the same time. Directed by Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia, "H." tells the story of two women named Helen whose lives are turned upside down after a meteor hits a town named Troy.

Phoenix

"Phoenix" is the latest film by one of the most successful and consistent directors in German cinema, Christian Petzold. The film won the Special Jury Prize at Lisbon and the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2014 San Sebastián International Film Festival. The film focuses on a disfigured woman who tries to get close to her husband following facial reconstruction surgery after World War II. Petzold's indispensable actress, Nina Hoss, plays the leading role.

Murder in Pacot

Haiti-based veteran director Raoul Peck examines the horrible effects of the huge earthquake in 2010 on the poor people of Haiti through a family that loses its luxurious home as well as through the eyes of foreign aid workers. "Meurtre a Pacot" (Murder in Pacot) made its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and was screened in the Panaroma section in Berlin.

Violencia

"Violencia," which presents three separate violent stories, is the directorial debut of Colombian director Jorge Forero. The director tries to find meaning behind violence while narrating the stories with a dark style. The film, which made its world premiere at the 65th International Berlin Film Festival, was applauded by most critics. The complete line-up for the 34th Istanbul Film Festival will be announced on March 10.