"IFTV - International Istanbul Film and Television Forum and Fair" was organized by Radio Television Broadcasters Professional Union (RATEM) between 28-30 September 2017. In the fair that brought together national and international professionals, public representatives and non-governmental organizations, a panel on "Content and Cultural Interaction" moderated by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, was organized. In the panel, the role of media in cultural exports and intercultural communication, was discussed.

The International Film and Television Forum and Fair (IFTV), that has hosted 6000 visitors, 200 brands and 150 speakers from 75 countries in the last three years, was held in İstanbul between 28-30 September 2017. In "IFTV - International Istanbul Film and Television Forum and Fair" organized in Lütfi Kırdar Congress Centre by The Radio and Television Broadcasters Association (RATEM) with support of Turkish Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Prime Ministry Promotion Fund; a panel on "Content and Cultural Interaction" was held on Friday, September 29^th at 2 P.M.

Moderated by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, the place and importance of media in cultural exports and intercultural communication were discussed and speakers were Jordan's most famous media producer Bassam Hajjavi and Gazi University Faculty of Communication Faculty Member and Writer Prof. Dr. Zakir Avşar. On the second day of this grand meeting that brought together national and international professionals, public representatives and non-governmental organizations, the operations of countries within the scope of cultural exports was explained in detail with up-to-date examples.

The most effective means of cultural exports is media

With globalization, the broadcasting sector crosses the borders and affects decision makers all over the world through advanced technology and tools. Media, the only means for administrations to publicly announce their policies and practises, is essential in social communication, acquiring great power with this feature. Media channels that have become the most efficient marketplace for cultural exports, play a major role in determining countries' images. While these developments take place in the world, Turkish media sector has also adapted and is spoken of in the world in recent years. Turkey has made 250 million dollars in revenue by exporting its own series, shows and formats to nearly 80 countries yearly.

"Yunus Emre Enstitüsü is an important actor in cultural exports"

The fair with an opening attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Fikri Işık and Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Numan Kurtulmuş lasted for 3 days. Işık and Kurtulmuş who visited Yunus Emre Enstitüsü stand, stated that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü is an important actor in cultural exports.

The fair drew attention also from famous director, producer and actresses known from Turkish films and series. The famous director, producer and screenwriter Derviş Zaim visited Yunus Emre Enstitüsü stand and discussed future projects with Enstitü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş. Famous actress Fadik Sevin Atasoy stated that she closely follows cultural and artistic activities organized by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü abroad and that the Enstitü's operations are quite successful. State theatre actress Emel Göksu also visited Yunus Emre Enstitüsü stand. She expressed that the Enstitü has successfully introduced Turkey, Turkish culture-arts and activities throughout the world.