The Film Diplomacy Conference (FDC) is a three-day international conference, bringing together over 100 delegates from 50+ countries to merge the power of cinema with the principles of diplomacy.

Themed “Building Diplomats Through Lens,” FDC is structured to include a Training Day led by diplomats, officials, filmmakers, media agencies, Sustainability (SDGs) trainers and intercultural trainers; a 24-Hour Film Challenge where teams produce short films on global peace and cooperation; and a Red carpet Award & Screening Day judged by diplomats, directors, and media figures

Students, young professionals, filmmakers, activists, and aspiring diplomats aged 15–30 from any country with a passion for storytelling, policy, or global affairs are welcome to apply.

Film diplomacy Conference 2025 will take place in Istanbul Turkey from 5 December to 7 December 2025.

Applications will close on 25th October 2025 (23:59 GMT+3). Late entries will not be accepted.

No, the application is free of cost. You don't need to pay anything to process your application. Top 5 candidates would be selected on Fully Funded, 15 on Partially Funded and 100 on Self-Funded seats. Selection will be based on complete merit.

Selected applicants will receive confirmation emails by the first week of November 2025.

Yes, they co-create concepts with filmmakers, ensure theme relevance, and often present the films during final screenings.

You may apply for the Filmmaker Track (director, writer, editor, actor) or Policy Advisor Track (thematic guide, SDG advisor, diplomacy presenter).

Selected candidates must confirm their participation by completing the registration payment within 72 hours of receiving their confirmation email.

If the deadline is missed, your slot will be passed to a shortlisted applicant on the waiting list.

Selection is based on motivation, clarity of application, relevance of interest, and potential contribution to the conference.

FDC 2025 is fully in-person. All participants must attend physically in Istanbul, Turkey.

The 3-day event includes workshops, a 24-hour UN-themed short film challenge, cultural networking, and a red carpet screening and awards ceremony.

No prior experience is required. Applicants are selected based on passion, motivation, and the ability to contribute to the conference. Although prior experience is cherry on the top.

Yes, you can apply along with friends, but each person must submit an individual application and pay the application fee separately.

Applications will be reviewed by our selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email.

Yes. Applicants may choose the “Policy Advisor Track” to join teams in crafting diplomatic narratives, advising on thematic alignment, and presenting at high-level policy dialogues.

Basic working knowledge of English is required as all sessions will be conducted in English.

Yes, selected films will also get the opportunity to be presented at international policy forums and exhibitions.

Yes. Individual and team awards will be presented during the red-carpet screening and closing ceremony based on team or individual based performance.

Yes, all participants will receive a certificate of participation, co-signed by relevant partners and institutions.