The longest-running cinema summit of Turkey opened its curtains for the 45th edition last night with a ceremony splendid as ever, bringing together a host of stars, cinema luminaries and prominent personae of the world of the Turkish and global silver screen.

Hosted by Ceyda Düvenci and Levent Üzümcü, the ceremony kicked off with a mini concert by the famous Turkish singer Candan Erçetin. Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, President of the Festival and of TURSAK Foundation Mr. Engin Yiğitgil expressed the happiness shared by the supporters of the festival and the cinema lovers on the festival's realizing the goals set with the wave of renewal initiated four years ago.

Taking floor following Yiğitgil, Mayor of Metropolitan Municipality and the Honorary President of the Festival Mr. Menderes Türel memorated the founder of the festival and the past mayor of Antalya, Dr. Avni Tolunay and extended praise and gratitude to the people of Antalya who carried the festival to its status today.

The inauguration ceremony continued with the delivery of the festival's honorary awards. Hülya Avşar, the celebrated actress of the Turkish cinema received the Cinema Success Award of the festival while Yılmaz Atadeniz, famous director of cult films of fantastic and adventure genres has been given the Honorary Award of the Festival. Müşfik Kenter, the perennial of the Turkish stage and cinema and voice artist has been given the Yıldırım Önal Memorial Award from the hands of Alaaddin Yüksel, the Governor of Antalya.

In his speech, Governor Yüksel stated they are closely following the movement that pioneered the Festival's developing into its current state after 45 years and extended his thanks to the foundations of AKSAV and TURSAK.

The Festival's honorary decoration was given to celebrated actress Filiz Akın by Mayor Menderes Türel and Director of the Executive Board of URART, Mr. Erol Sağmanlı.

The ceremony went on with the presentation of the grand jury of the Golden Orange Film Festival and concluded with another bouquet of songs from Candan Erçetin.