Serkan Aktas is an award-winning filmmaker globally recognized for his contributions to the genres of fantasy and science fiction cinema. He holds degrees in Business Administration from Anadolu University and in Mathematics from Dokuz Eylül University. Aktas honed his filmmaking skills at the Istanbul Cinema Academy, where he graduated with distinction. He also earned a Master’s and a Doctorate in Film and Television from Beykent University.
Q. How does it feel to be recognized as the most awarded filmmaker in
Turkey?
A. It’s truly humbling to be recognized as the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, but I always remind myself that awards are just a reflection of the work we’ve done. They’re not the destination, but a part of the journey. I’ve always believed that the best movie is one that can be watched over and over again, and I strive to create films that resonate deeply with people on multiple levels. Recognition, for me, is not just about personal achievement; it’s about seeing how my work can inspire others, open minds, and contribute to a greater understanding of the world around us.
When I reflect on my journey, I remember the challenges, the passion that drove me, and my purpose—to create films that not only entertain but also spark conversation about the real-world problems we face. The fact that my films are being recognized globally reaffirms my belief in the power of cinema to connect, educate, and inspire. Ultimately, I want people to experience the same joy and wonder that cinema brings me. And that, for me, is the true reward.
Q. Can you share the story behind your first award-winning project?
A. Receiving the Distinction Award for Resurrection under the Ocean at the Three Acts of Goodness Micro Film Festival in Taiwan in October 2022 was an incredibly meaningful moment in my career. It wasn’t about winning first place, second place, or even third place. To me, the honor of receiving the Distinction Award meant that my film had connected with the audience, which is the ultimate goal of any filmmaker.
The fact that this recognition came during the pandemic, when the ceremony was held online, made the experience even more unique. Despite the challenges of not being able to attend in person and interact with the audience, I felt an immense sense of pride and joy when I received the Certificate of Distinction in both Chinese and English. It was a validation of the hard work I had put into Resurrection under the Ocean, and a confirmation that the story I wanted to tell had resonated with people across the world.
Resurrection under the Ocean was my way of exploring themes of rebirth, mystery, and human resilience, all within the surreal confines of the ocean’s depths. The audience’s positive response was, in many ways, more rewarding than any trophy could be. It reaffirmed my belief that if you pour your heart into your work and stay true to your artistic vision, the world will appreciate it—even if you don’t finish in the top spot. This is why I always say, ‘Read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your movie.’ It’s all about the journey, the learning, and the impact your film has on others.
Q. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your films?
A. Through my films, I aim to convey a deep sense of wonder, reflection, and hope. At the heart of my work is the desire to explore humanity’s most profound questions, to engage with the mysteries of our world and beyond, and to challenge audiences to think critically about the future. Whether it’s the fantastical elements in Mirrorty or the intense emotional undertones in Resurrection under the Ocean, I believe that cinema has the power to illuminate complex issues and spark meaningful conversations.
One of the main themes in my films is resilience—how individuals and societies rise in the face of adversity, how they find hope in the most unlikely places. In works like The Librarian and Resurrection under the Ocean, I explore how people navigate challenges, whether external or internal, and how our stories of survival and transformation are connected. I also look at the unknown, whether that’s the depths of the ocean or the mysteries of space, always with an eye toward human curiosity and our quest to understand the world around us.
Through my intellectual perspective and filmmaking, I want to offer solutions or at least contribute to solutions for real-world problems, whether environmental, societal, or psychological. Cinema is not just a form of escapism for me; it is a tool for exploration, a way to reflect on the present and imagine a better future.
As I always say, ‘With my intellectual perspective and filmmaker identity, I strive to find solutions to the world’s unsolved real-world problems or contribute to those solutions through making movies.’ It’s my belief that cinema should be more than just entertainment; it should challenge, inspire, and, ultimately, help to create a more thoughtful, compassionate world.
Q. How has the Turkish film industry influenced your creative journey?
A. The Turkish film industry has had a profound influence on my creative journey. Filmmakers like Ertem Eğilmez and Yavuz Turgul have shaped my understanding of storytelling and character development, especially in how they blend humor with deep human emotions. However, there is one Turkish film that stands out in my life. I discovered my talent for writing stories and making films when I was 16. My elder brother and I watched Hokkabaz, a Turkish film, and it was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. That experience sparked my passion for filmmaking and set me on the path I am on today.
Q. What challenges have you faced in achieving your success?
A. Achieving success, especially in independent cinema, has never been easy, and there have been many challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was during the production of The Librarian. It was my doctorate film project, and I had to make it to complete my degree. But as many filmmakers know, the realities of making a film can be far more complicated than we expect.
Money, or rather the lack of it, was a major issue. The budget for The Librarian was tight, and that was compounded by the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis in 2021 created a unique set of challenges, particularly when it came to shooting exterior scenes. Because the script had been written before the pandemic, many of the scenes I had envisioned took place outside. But in the midst of the pandemic, serious health measures were in place, and I couldn’t get permission from local authorities for any exterior shots.
In addition, just 10 days before we were set to begin filming, I had a significant argument with both the cast and the crew. There were differences of opinion and misunderstandings that led to the difficult decision of letting go of the original cast and some of the crew members. This left me with very little time to reassemble a new team and get everything back on track.
Despite these setbacks, I refused to give up. The film was too important to me. At one point, I considered postponing the production, but I realized that waiting indefinitely for the pandemic to end could mean losing the entire project. That’s when I took the decision to use the guerrilla method for filming the exterior scenes. With an amateur spirit and a lot of determination, my team and I shot those scenes quickly and without formal permissions. While it wasn’t ideal, the feedback from both audiences and critics showed that those guerrilla-style exterior shots ended up being some of the best parts of the film.
Ultimately, overcoming these challenges was a testament to the importance of perseverance and adaptability in filmmaking. I’ve always believed that ‘the best movie is one that can be watched over and over again,’ and sometimes the best way to achieve that is by finding creative solutions to the obstacles that stand in your way.
Q. Are there any filmmakers or artists who have significantly influenced
your work?
A. I’ve always believed that a filmmaker is shaped not only by their own experiences but also by the work of others who inspire them. Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply influenced by a variety of filmmakers and writers who have shaped the way I approach storytelling, structure, and even the very essence of cinema. Filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, Sergio Leone, and Steven Spielberg have had a profound impact on me. Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense and tension, especially in his psychological thrillers, taught me how to create an atmosphere that pulls the audience in and keeps them engaged. David Lean’s epic storytelling, especially in films like Lawrence of Arabia, showed me the power of sweeping narratives and grand, visually stunning landscapes that also serve a deeper thematic purpose. Sergio Leone’s distinct style of filmmaking—his patience in storytelling and the iconic close-ups—has always inspired me to embrace the power of silence and stillness, letting tension build naturally. And of course, Steven Spielberg’s ability to balance spectacle with emotional depth is something I aspire to in my own films, creating stories that are both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
Each of these filmmakers has contributed to my understanding of film as a craft and an art form. They’ve helped shape my voice as a storyteller, and their influence continues to guide my work, whether I’m working in the realm of fantasy and science fiction or exploring deeper human themes.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers in Turkey and beyond?
A. Read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your movie. The more input, the more output. Keep learning and creating.
Q. How do you approach storytelling to create a lasting impact on your
audience?
A. I approach storytelling with the goal of making a lasting impact by addressing real-world problems through my films. With my intellectual perspective and filmmaker identity, I strive to find solutions to the world’s unsolved problems or contribute to those solutions. I believe the best movie is one that can be watched over and over again, where each viewing offers new insights. Above all, I want people to experience the same joy and wonder that cinema brings me—to create films that resonate and stay with them long after the credits roll.
Q. What upcoming projects or goals are you most excited about?
A. My next project is Kanlısırt – The Blood Ridge, a feature film I’m writing and directing. The script is already finished. Set during World War I, it tells the story of the intense battle between the Turkish and British armies at Gallipoli. The plot follows a pretending war veteran who wronged his brother over inheritance, and as his brother is about to die in battle, he must reach him to make things right. As the most award-winning filmmaker, my goal is for this film to be watched by 13.5 million people, making it the most-watched movie in Turkey. I believe that the filmmaker with the most awards should also create the most-watched film, and that’s what I aim to achieve with this project.
Follow him on social media pages:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBTv2OlCkA3KMcz4pqyG-EA
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14575507/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serkan-aktas-a12463260/
Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/director/serkan-aktas/
