Eurimages and Turkish cinema: history, identity, culture

Out of the new sources for financing films that emerged in the post-1990 Turkish cinema, Eurimages is the only non-domestic, supra-national one wherein support decisions are taken by the representatives of various member states. Eurimages was established as a part of the framework of the Council of Europe in 1988 to foster co-operation amongst film professionals in the co-production and distribution of cinematographic works as well as to promote awareness and encourage the development of Europe’s cultural identity and diversity. Considering the experience of the first twenty years of Turkey’s membership of Eurimages, this research examines the contributions of a supranational cinema support fund - which demands a series of culturally sensitive criteria to be met - on a national cinema industry. In addition to the co-production, exhibition and distribution support provided by Eurimages, and its contribution to filmmaking practices, Turkish-initiative co-productions - those directed by Turkish filmmakers, and those whose themes are pertinent to Turkey - are analysed herein with regard to the ‘nationalness’ of their content and narrative styles. Eurimages practically has been a good source of financial support for Turkish filmmakers seeking to engage with the problematic aspects of Turkey’s national identity or simply seeking to convey the contribution of components to Turkey’s overall cultural identity. This study also reveals those representations of diversity with particular regard to ethnic, religious and gender identities through a close examination of Turkish-initiative co-productions that have been supported by the Fund