Gökçe Kaan Demirkıran’s documentary Vefalı Galip has achieved a major milestone by reaching the finals in the “Best Sports Film” category at the 43rd FICTS International Sports Films & TV Festival held in Milan. Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious sports-focused film events, the festival only features works that have won awards at one of the 21 International Sports Film Festivals across five continents, making the Turkish documentary’s finalist status particularly significant.
The documentary has already garnered international acclaim, winning the “Best Research Award” at the 2024 FICTS Iran Sports Film Festival and the “Best Short Documentary Award” at the 2025 FICTS Zlatibor Sports Film Festival. Vefalı Galip stands out as a production that elevates the global visibility of Turkish sports documentaries.
The film centers on the life of Galip Haktanır, an unforgettable figure in Turkish football. Born in 1921, Haktanır, nicknamed “Blind Galip” due to his blindness in one eye, became a legend through his tenacious spirit and loyalty to Vefa Spor. Starting his football journey at Darüşşafaka, he played for Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray in his youth before choosing Vefa, where he became an iconic figure. Representing the Turkish National Team in the 1940s and 1950s, Haktanır also trained numerous students as a physical education teacher. His life story was previously chronicled in the book Vefa’nın Galibi published by İletişim Yayınları. Filmed at the age of 101, Haktanır passed away during the editing phase, but his legacy lives on through the documentary.
FICTS (Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs) is an international federation dedicated to promoting the cultural and social values of sports through cinema and television. The Milan festival continues to be one of the most prestigious events in its field, bringing together the finest productions in sports and cinema each year.
Milan, Italy
2025 FICTS International Sports Films & TV Festival
