Serdar Akar (Jury President)
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
In 1987, he entered the Mimar Sinan University Faculty of Fine Arts Cinema and Television Department. He graduated in 2000. In 1989, while still a student, he stepped into the profession as an assistant director. In 1998, he wrote two films with intertwined cross-scripts, “Gemide” and “Laleli’de Bir Azize”. He directed “Gemide”. Between 1998 and 2000, he wrote the film “Dar Alanda Kısa Paslaşmalar”, which tells the story of the town where he spent his childhood and youth and his family, and directed it in 2000. He made “Maruf” in 2001. After this film, he left “Yeni Sinemacılar”, which he named after his grandfather’s cinema and founded. Then, he focused on directing series. In 2005, he directed a feature-length script belonging to someone else for the first time and shot “Kurtlar Vadisi Irak”. In 2006, he established his own company (Filmakar) and made the much-discussed “Barda”. In 2007, he started the “Elveda Rumeli” series with Adamfilm, which he co-founded with Tarkan Karlıdağ. In 2007, Tiyatroadam was established within Adamfilm. The play “Colonel Bird” was staged under the supervision of Serdar Akar. He still continues to make films.
Aydın Bulut
Aydın Bulut was born in Istanbul in 1968. He graduated from Galatasaray High School in 1987, entered the Turkish Language and Literature Department of Boğaziçi University, where he carried out activities in the ‘Photography Club’ and ‘Student Association’. He started studying at the Cinema-TV Department of Mimar Sinan University in 1991. Lütfi Ö. Akad and Duygu Sağıroğlu are his masters. Between 2000 and 2020, he directed many TV series such as ‘Yeditepe İstanbul’, ‘Sultan Makamı’, ‘Ihlamurlar Altında’, ‘Dila Hanım’, ‘Don’t be sad for me’. He was the director, screenwriter and producer of the movies ‘Başka Semtin Çocukları’, ‘F Tipi Film’, ‘Mısın Oynar Benimle?’. These movies won awards in many national and international festivals. He worked with the 'Documentary Filmmakers Association' for a while in the field of documentary films and shot two documentaries called 'Uncle İlhan' and 'Gazi Neighborhood'.
Ali İlhan
Born in Istanbul in 1980, Ali İlhan won many awards at national and international festivals with his first short film, Delik, made in 2003. He directed the films Aşağılık Herif (İFSAK finalist) in 2004 and Belki in 2006. The film Belki caught the attention of Çağan Irmak, and Ali İlhan worked with Çağan Irmak as an assistant director for a while.
The dream world he entered with his father, who was an illustrator at Milliyet Çocuk magazine, combined with a story he encountered in Rimini about Signora Enrica, inspired him to write the script for his first feature-length film, Signora Enrica ile İtalya Olmak. In this film, which he also directed, world-famous Italian actress Claudia Cardinale brought the character of Signora Enrica to life. The film earned a Golden Orange award for a foreign actor for the first time in the history of the Golden Orange Film Festival. Ali İlhan was also awarded the Special Jury Prize with this film.
The director, who lived in Rome for 12 years, returned to Turkey in 2020 for the series Hercai. The series, whose ratings were declining, recovered quickly under the direction of Ali İlhan and was awarded the TV Series of the Year award at the Media Oscars. İlhan took his first step into the world of television with the series Hercai, which he directed for 26 episodes.
In 2022, he shot the teaser for the series Hakim, the Turkish adaptation of the series Your Honor.
In 2023, he shot his second feature film, the action-drama Emanet. The film was released in March.
Korhan Bozkurt
He graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Communication. He worked as an assistant director in various production companies. Korhan Bozkurt, who started directing by making commercials in 2004, shot his first feature-length film, O Kadın, which he wrote himself, in 2007. The director, who shot the film Detay in 2015, which he also wrote and directed, has directed many commercials, television series and movies during this period.
Korhan Bozkurt, who is also a musician, has also composed music for some of his films. The director, who also has a novel called Hoşça Kal, resides in Istanbul. While he works as a communications consultant for many local and foreign brands in the advertising agency he is a partner in, he continues to produce commercials and series with the production company he is a partner in.
Gürcan Mete Şener
Born in Eskişehir in 1961, Gürcan Mete Şener completed his primary, secondary and high school education in Eskişehir. He graduated from Anadolu University Cinema - TV Department in Eskişehir in 1983. He started working as a cameraman in the Open Education Faculty studios in the same year. In 1986, he completed his Master's degree with his thesis titled "Increasing the Depth Effect with Lighting in Television" at Anadolu University Social Sciences Institute. In 1992, he became the founding partner of Akademi Production Ltd. Şti. in Istanbul. In 1996, he completed the Marmara University Social Sciences Institute, Cinema - Television Main Art Branch, Proficiency in Art Doctorate program
Metin Gungor
Metin Gungor was born in Turkey. He graduated University and did his master degree in fine Art. He moved to London-UK. He worked for TV, Films and private collections. He studied acting in Lee Strasberg Studios. Then He studied VFX-Animation at Sheridan College-Canada. He also studied Digital composting in NTFS London-UK. He worked on many hollywood movies as matte Painter and Supervisor. He studied Film Directing in Panico Film course-UK. In USA he studied in UCLA and NYFA. After completing many short movies; co directed and co-produced his first feature film “The Fist of Righteous Harmony” in USA-2008. Then he shot a film about a Turkish Painter (Biographical drama). He Wrote the script, Produce, direct and acted in the movie.
Sadullah Şentürk
Born in Bulgaria in 1972. Completed his primary, secondary and high school education in Bursa. Graduated from Anadolu University Cinema-TV Department in 1996. Started directing in 2002.
Orhan Tekeoğlu
Born in Trabzon/Çaykara in 1957. Graduated from Gazi University Press and Broadcasting School Radio-Television Department in 1983.
He worked as a stock exchange editor at Anadolu Agency, Sabah and Milliyet newspapers. He left Milliyet in 2007 and shot his first documentary, İfakat. He received a special jury award at the TRT Documentary Competition. He later received many awards both domestically and internationally with his documentaries. In 2022, he received the Ministry of Culture Award at the TRT Documentary Competition with his documentary Fatma Kayacı's Unknown Story.
Tekeoğlu, who is a member of the Turkish Journalists Association and the Economic Journalists Association, teaches documentary and short film courses at Esenyurt University.
Igor M. Toholj
-Director and producer of documentary and experimental films, programer and Artistic director. -Studied Sociology at Philosophy Faculty and Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade - Awarded for his work at festivals in the country and abroad. -Granted with scholarships of the Goethe Institute-Berlinale for film experts 2005. and Dante Alighieri University, Reggio Calabria in 2006. -Editor of theStudent City Cultural center Film Program since 1994. -Founder of Zero production since 2008. -Member of Film Center of Serbia Art Council 2012-14, UFUS, DOK Serbia -Juror and selector of film festivals: 15. Prvi kadar, Sarajevo, 51. Roshd, Teheran, 8. ARUFF Istanbul, 7. HFF Rijeka, 2. Cinema city, Novi Sad, 70. and 71. Martovski festival, Balkanima, Alternative film video, Belgrade, 24. Izmir international short film festival, 13th Tuzla film festival, documentary program selector of the Palić European Film Festival since 2008. - Artistic director of the festival DOK # and Silent FF Silence is Golden from 2021. - Program selector of the IPA project of EU- Fillmy, Serbia-Hungary, cross border, 2019-22. - Lecturer of the History-Film-History conference, Georgian National film center, Tbilisi, Georgia, 2023. on the topic of creative use of AI in synergy with filmmakers in the manipulation with found footage material. -Lecturer of 7th History film festival, Rijeka, Croatia-creative usage of found footage in documentary and experimental film / Experimental film Idu dani (Uploaded memories) -Speaker on Moscow Government Conference on Russian / Serbian Cinema Animation, B2B, Belgrade, 2024.
Serdar Güven
Serdar Güven was born in İznik in 1975.
He started working as a freelance photographer and cameraman in the documentary field in 2002.
He started working as a cameraman / director of photography in various documentary projects from 2005 onwards.
In 2008, he founded his own production company, Maya Belgesel Film, and started directing his own documentary projects.
Güven, who also produces documentary music, is a member of the Documentary Filmmakers Association and Bursa İnsanat Sinema Derneği.
Serdar Güven, who has produced many documentary films that he directed, continues his productions in the field of documentary cinema as a director of photography and director.
M. Emin Önder
After graduating from H. Ü. Faculty of Medicine in 1982, M. Emin Önder became a psychiatrist in 1991, an associate professor of psychiatry in 1993 and a professor of psychiatry in 2001. He continues his academic career and private practice.
In 1993, he became the editor of the scientific journal Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychopharmacology (3P), and since 2009, he has served as the editor-in-chief of Psikeart and Psikesinema magazines since 2015.
Nurten İnan
She graduated from Pera Fine Arts Theater Department. After graduating, she continued her acting education and career in England for 3 years. She is still acting in plays called “Will You Play with Me? “Komedi Komedi” and “Sick Etme Adamı” at Süheyl-Behzat Uygur Theater in 2012-2013. She took part in the Performance project called “Otto” written by Sylvia Dow and directed by Fana Cioban at Galata Perform in 2012. She took acting education at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) in 2009-2011 and played the character Helena in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in her year-end project. She took Musical Theater education at London City Academy in 2010 and took part in the school’s year-end show. She took part in the musical called “Evita” at New Wimbledon Theater in London in 2010. In 2008, he began his on-camera acting training at Hampton Court Studios in England, where he worked with his teacher, British actor Brian Deacon. Some of the plays he performed in are; 2006–08 “Dear Doctor” – Anton Chekhov (Pera Fine Arts Eren Uluergüven Stage) “A Şehnaz Play” – Turgut Özakman (Istanbul State Theater, AKM Grand Hall) 2005/06 “Verses in Madrid – (Pera Fine Arts Eren Uluergüven Stage) “Long Live Peace” – Hasan Erkek (Istanbul State Theater) 2004/05 “Çayhane” - John Patric (Istanbul State Theater AKM Grand Hall) “Kuvayyi Milliye” - Nazım Hikmet (Istanbul State Theater AKM Grand Hall) “Tale Garden” – Ali Taygun (TOBAV) Theater Opera Ballet Research Foundation Ortaköy Afife Jale Stage, 2024 She plays the character of Cavidan in the comedy play "Süt Kardeşler" at Süheyl&Behzat Uygur Theater (Currently ongoing)
Ahmet Ilgaz
I am an Assistant Professor at Marmara University, Faculty of Communication. My master's thesis is about the stereotypical representation of the 'Other' in American Cinema. In addition, the self-representation of minorities is one of my special interests. In my doctoral thesis, I researched the role of African-American director Spike Lee in changing the image of Black people in the world through his films.
As a member of Siyad, I worked as a film writer for Aktüel, Artıhaber magazines and the Radikal Cumartesi supplement. I also wrote photo articles for İz magazine.
I worked as a director, assistant director and editor in various documentaries, commercials and feature-length productions. The documentary "Sütlü Çikolata" (Milk Chocolate), which I directed in 2008, was about the life adventures of Afro-Turks in Dalaman and Turkey.
Academic Jury
Prof. Dr. Ömer Alanka (Chairman of the Jury)
Prof. Dr. Ömer Alanka was born in Erzurum in 1981. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Communication in 2005. He started working as a Research Assistant at Atatürk University Faculty of Communication in 2005. He completed his MA in Journalism at Atatürk University Institute of Social Sciences in 2008. He was appointed as a Research Assistant at Ege University Faculty of Communication in 2009. In 2012, he received his Dr. title with his thesis titled “Ontology of Image and Conceptual Photography” at Ege University Institute of Social Sciences in Journalism. In 2012, he continued to work at Atatürk University Faculty of Communication as a Research Assistant. In 2014, he received the title of Assistant Professor at Atatürk University Faculty of Communication. In 2018, he received the title of Associate Professor in Journalism and Media Studies. In 2022, she worked as an Associate Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Communication. In 2023, she was appointed as a Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Communication. She has been serving as the Dean of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Communication since 2023. Alanka also serves as a Senator and Rectorate Board Member at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University and a member of the Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Foundation. Alanka has numerous books, articles, symposiums and project studies at national and international levels.
Dr. Lecturer Bahar Atmaca Demir
She was born in Istanbul in 1987. She graduated from Kocaeli University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema in 2009. She completed her master's degree in Kocaeli University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema in 2015 and her doctorate in Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Radio, TV and Cinema in 2022. Following her experiences in the cinema and media sectors, she has been working as an academician in Istanbul Rumeli University, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema since 2017. She teaches courses on Cinematography, Light and Sound Design in Cinema, Art Direction and Film Industry.
Assistant Professor Murat Şahin
He completed his undergraduate education at Atatürk University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema, and his master's and doctorate degrees at Anadolu University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Cinema and Television. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema. He continues his scientific studies in areas such as cinema sociology, cinema theories, digital platforms and audience research.
Dr. Lecturer Rahime Akikol
She graduated from Ankara University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema. She completed her master's degree with her thesis titled "Editing as a Means of Creating Meaning" at Marmara University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema. She also received her doctorate degree with her thesis titled "Color Design in Turkish Cinema" at Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema. Her academic career, which started in 2008 as a lecturer at Istanbul Arel University Vocational School Radio and Television Programming Program, has been continuing as an assistant lecturer at the Department of Cinema and Television at the Faculty of Communication since 2022. Her areas of work are editing, post-production applications, color design, cinematography, film aesthetics, history of cinema and video applications. She worked as an assistant director at TRT Ankara Television, as an editor in the series "Ferhunde Hanımlar" prepared by GAİA Yapım, and as a program consultant and copywriter at TRT Istanbul Television. She has a documentary work titled "Vitrin".
Dr. Lecturer Recep Çökerdenoğlu
He completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Marmara University Faculty of Communication and his doctorate at Istanbul University Department of Radio, TV and Cinema. He completed English Language and Literature, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Translation and International Relations departments at various universities in Turkey. He speaks advanced English, intermediate Spanish and German. He is currently a faculty member at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Visual Communication Design.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Köprü
Mehmet Köprü, who completed his MA and PhD in cinema, continues his production in this field not only with his academic studies but also with the roles of director, editor, director of photography, copywriter, production coordinator and consultant in various documentary and fictional film projects. Köprü currently works as a faculty member at Erciyes University Faculty of Communication and is the coordinator of EFA (Erciyes Film Workshop).
Res. Asst. Hatice Öksüz
She completed her undergraduate education at Erciyes University, Department of Radio, TV and Cinema in 2014. She completed her master's degree at Marmara University, Department of Radio, TV and Cinema in 2019. While continuing her doctorate at Istanbul University, Department of Radio, TV and Cinema, she also works as a Research Assistant at Istanbul Aydın University, Department of Visual Communication Design.
