The Ayvalık International Film Festival is organized by the Eye Society, founded in Ayvalık in 2022. Held every September, the festival brings Ayvalık’s rich cultural and artistic life together with significant cinematic works from Turkey and around the world; drawing strength from the local community, it creates a space for thought and exchange centered on filmmaking.

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The Ayvalık International Film Festival emphasizes that cinema is not merely something to be watched, but also a subject to be discussed and reflected upon collectively; film screenings are complemented by discussions and panels, fostering a space for dialogue where diverse perspectives come together. While the festival does not feature a competition, it awards incentive prizes—evaluated by independent juries composed of experienced film professionals—to support young filmmakers entering the industry with their works.

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Eye Society was founded by a team with many years of experience in the festival sector. Board Chair Azize Tan has worked in the festival sector since 1992; she served as director of the Istanbul Film Festival, founded the co-production platform “Meetings on the Bridge,” and served as founding director of the Başka Sinema Ayvalık Film Festival in 2018. In 2022, she launched Eye Society as an independent organization. By bringing together its experienced core team with a young and dynamic group, the association carries out cultural and artistic initiatives, primarily in Ayvalık and the Aegean Region.

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The Young Cinema program has been one of the festival’s core elements since its first year. The program enables students enrolled in university film departments to take on roles in the festival’s organization, participate in workshops, and connect with industry professionals. In this way, the festival bridges education and practice, builds a bridge between students and the film industry, and supports young filmmakers’ transition into professional life.

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Ayvalık’s history, culture, architecture, cuisine, location, and strong local community provide a unique backdrop for the festival. By bringing together artists, students, professionals, and audiences, the festival aims to transform Ayvalık into a vibrant hub for cinema and the arts. The festival’s posters and visual design feature works by artists from Ayvalık, exploring how the city and the festival mutually transform one another. The festival’s logo draws inspiration from the Poyraz wind, the waves of the sea, and Ayvalık’s historical heritage. Being part of this heritage and making new contributions to it is one of the festival’s core motivations.