"Winged Seahorse" Film Festival Returns to Uşak University After Two Years

Reviving a Cinematic Tradition in the Heart of Anatolia After two years of anticipation, the city of Uşak is once again preparing for one of the region's most important artistic events. The International Uşak Short Film Festival, known for its "Winged Seahorse" (Kanatlı Denizatı) awards, will celebrate its 12th edition in December 2026 [1]. Organized by the Uşak University Faculty of Communication, the festival has secured a special place in the Turkish and global cinematic calendars due to its academic approach and support for independent filmmakers.

According to the official announcement from the festival secretariat, the event will take place from December 14 to 18, 2026. Artists and filmmakers from around the world have until August 20, 2026, to submit their works for this competition [2]. The return of this festival after a long break has created a wave of enthusiasm among students and the artistic community of Uşak.

A Unique Model in Supporting Filmmakers One of the standout features of the Uşak festival that distinguishes it from many similar competitions is its support policies. Unlike most international festivals, participation in this festival is completely free, and no registration fees are charged to filmmakers [1].

Furthermore, in a pioneering move for Turkish cinema, the Uşak festival pays royalties (Telif) to all films that qualify for the competition section and are screened [3]. Additionally, the accommodation and transportation costs for directors who reach the final stage are covered by the festival organizing committee to provide a fair environment for emerging talents to be seen.

The Winged Seahorse Symbol and Connection to History The name and trophy of this festival are derived from one of the world's most valuable ancient artifacts, the "Winged Seahorse Brooch," which belongs to the Lydian Treasure, also known as the "Karun Treasure" [2]. This 2,500-year-old work of art, which was returned to the Uşak Museum from abroad after many years, has now become a symbol of the city's cultural identity and the festival.

In the 12th edition, a total of 26 awards will be distributed across three main categories: International Short Film Competition, National Short Film Competition, and Student Film Competition [1]. The jury for this edition will include a group of academics, prominent critics, and renowned directors responsible for evaluating works in various categories, including directing, screenplay, editing, and cinematography [3].

The Role of Uşak University in Cultural Development By hosting this festival, Uşak University not only helps improve the level of cinematic education for its students but also introduces the city of Uşak as an international cultural hub. In past editions, works that participated in prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice have also competed in this festival [2]. Given the two-year hiatus, the 12th edition is expected to be met with even wider participation from filmmakers in more than 100 countries.