PRESIDENT

Murat Tufan (b. 1971, Edirne) is a cultural manager and festival director who develops culture and arts projects focused on the Balkans. For nearly 20 years, he has been leading cultural collaborations, film events, and art projects at both regional and international levels.

Tufan continues his work under the umbrella of the Rumeli Culture, Art and Education Association, as well as Rumeli Organization, which was established to support the association’s projects. Through this structure, he has implemented numerous events and initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural interaction across the Balkan region.

At the center of his work is the Balkan Panorama Film Festival, one of Europe’s largest Balkan-themed film festivals and a significant platform with active participation from all Balkan countries. The festival serves not only to support regional film production but also as a meeting point contributing to cultural diplomacy.

In addition to his festival activities, Tufan contributes to strengthening sustainable cultural ties between Turkey and the Balkans through film workshops, Turkish film weeks, and various cultural events organized in Balkan countries.

Among his recent roles are the founder and executive board chairman of the International Edirne Film Festival, as well as long-standing executive director of the Balkan Panorama Film Festival. He has also served as a project coordinator and executive in numerous film workshops and cultural initiatives carried out between Turkey and Balkan countries.

He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the Istanbul University Institute of Business Economics.