Award for ‘Galactic Treasure’ from Hong Kong

Ecem Çörtle, a student of the Cinema and Digital Media Department at Izmir University of Economics (IEU), came in third place at the Infinite Frames Film Festival in Hong Kong with her animated film titled Galactic Treasure. In her film created using the artificial intelligence software named Midjourney, Çörtle tells the story of a young explorer named Faye’s journey in the galaxy to find a legendary treasure, receiving great acclaim for her extraordinary work.

Organized by the University of Hong Kong and attended by young filmmakers from prestigious universities around the world, the festival garnered significant attention this year. Young individuals from different countries dedicated months of meticulous work to achieve an award at this prestigious festival. Ecem Çörtle, a student of the Cinema and Digital Media Department at IEU, brought the award to Izmir, experiencing great pride. The film ‘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.

Preparing to graduate from the university this year, Çörtle expressed her happiness at receiving the award, stating, ‘Artificial intelligence, as in all areas, is rapidly increasing its influence in the cinema industry. I wanted to create an exemplary work that makes a difference in this field. Galactic Treasure, with a script entirely of my own, was an animation film that resonated with me and I believed would attract attention. Receiving such an important, prestigious award shortly before my graduation made me very happy. I aim to continue my career in the field I have studied and to undertake new projects. This award has further boosted my motivation and strengthened me.’

Opening the path to success

Dr. Serkan Şavk, Associate Professor at the Cinema and Digital Media Department at IEU, congratulated the students who participated in the festival, stating, ‘What sets our department apart from traditional cinema and television education provided at other universities is its focus on the intersections of cinema with rapidly evolving digital media technologies. Technological advancements and societal consumption trends now show that cinema art has integrated with interactive digital media technologies. Therefore, our department offers a program that is open to the new forms and content of cinema, such as fictional, documentary, experimental, and interactive narratives produced/presented in the digital environment. These opportunities pave the way for success for our students.’