Serkan Aktaş - Filmmaker's Journey in Cinematic Storytelling

Serkan Aktaş, born on December 4, 1989, in Istanbul, Turkey, 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. Aktaş 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. His notable works include films like The Librarian (2022), Mirrorty (2017), and Resurrection under the Ocean (2021), which have been acclaimed in film festivals around the world. Driven by a passion for storytelling, Aktaş believes that “the best movie is one that can be watched over and over again,” and aims to inspire audiences with the joy and wonder of cinema. He also strives to address real-world issues through his films, stating, “I find solutions to the world’s unsolved problems through making movies.”

Can you share your filmmaking journey and what inspired you to pursue this career?

Serkan Aktaş: My filmmaking journey started at 16, when I had a transformative experience watching Hokkabaz, a Turkish film, with my older brother. Until then, I had always been passionate about films, spending hours watching DVDs or CDs, but seeing Hokkabaz on the big screen opened my eyes to cinema in a completely new way. That moment created a deep connection for me with the art form, and I decided that night to become a writer and director. It was a defining moment that shaped everything that followed.

Although I initially took a more analytical route, earning degrees in Business Administration and Mathematics, my passion for filmmaking never faded. I pursued my creativity further at the Istanbul Cinema Academy, where I graduated with distinction, and later earned both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Film and Television from Beykent University. These academic experiences gave me the tools to turn my ideas into films, but it was my constant curiosity and belief that the best films are timeless that truly guided my path.

For me, filmmaking is about evoking joy, wonder, and thought in the audience. As I continued to create, films like The Librarian (2022), Mirrorty (2017), and Resurrection under the Ocean (2021) allowed me to tackle real-world issues through fantasy and science fiction. Cinema, in my view, isn’t just for entertainment; it’s a tool for challenging norms, broadening perspectives, and sparking important conversations.

The Librarian - Demo Reel

Watch this video on YouTube

I’ve always valued discipline in the creative process—reading, watching, and writing every day. This daily routine helps me stay grounded and sharp, enabling me to continuously push boundaries and explore fresh ideas. My goal is to share the excitement and curiosity cinema has given me, hoping that others can experience the same sense of awe. Ultimately, filmmaking allows me to contribute to addressing the world’s unresolved issues, whether through direct commentary or thought-provoking narratives that encourage deeper thinking.

What is your reaction to being recognized as the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey?

Serkan Aktaş: It’s incredibly humbling to be acknowledged as the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, with 215 global awards. However, I always remind myself that awards are merely a reflection of the work we’ve done—they aren’t the final goal, but part of the larger journey. I’ve always believed the best films are those that people can watch repeatedly, and I aim to create films that connect with audiences on a deep, multifaceted level.

For me, recognition isn’t just about personal success; it’s about how my work can inspire others, broaden perspectives, and contribute to a better understanding of the world.

When I look back on my journey, I think about the challenges, the passion that fueled me, and my purpose—to make films that entertain but also provoke thought on real-world issues. The global recognition of my films reinforces my belief in cinema’s power to connect, educate, and inspire. Ultimately, I want viewers to experience the same joy and wonder that cinema gives me. That, for me, is the true reward.

As the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, I find the greatest reward in knowing that my films have an impact on people. Each time someone experiences my work, whether they feel inspired, moved, or challenged, I feel I’ve achieved my purpose. My journey is far from over, and I’m eager to continue exploring the infinite possibilities of fantasy and science fiction, always in pursuit of creating meaningful stories that make a difference.

Is there a specific goal or mission that motivates your creative journey?

Serkan Aktaş: Yes, there is a specific mission that drives my creative journey, rooted in my intellectual perspective and identity as a filmmaker. My primary goal is to use cinema to address real-world issues and offer solutions to the unsolved problems of our time. As I often say, “With my intellectual perspective and filmmaker identity, I aim to find solutions or contribute to solving the world’s challenges through filmmaking. That’s what I do.”

For me, cinema isn’t just an art form—it’s a powerful platform for change. Through my films, I strive to challenge conventional thinking, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire new ways of understanding the world. This mission is at the core of everything I do as a filmmaker.

Additionally, my background in mathematics and business administration adds a unique layer to my work. It allows me to approach filmmaking with an analytical and strategic mindset, while still preserving the creative and artistic vision that defines my films. This blend of intellect and creativity helps me tackle complex issues in a way that’s both thought-provoking and accessible.

Ultimately, my goal is to create films that not only entertain but also make a meaningful contribution to society by offering solutions or raising awareness about the world’s most urgent challenges. This purpose is at the heart of my work and drives me every day as a filmmaker.

What has been the most significant project you’ve worked on? Can you share the context and backstory to help us understand why it’s so meaningful to you?

Serkan Aktaş: The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is definitely The Librarian. It’s not only my doctorate project at Beykent University, but it also holds deep personal significance in my life and career. Completing this film allowed me to earn my Doctorate in Art, and becoming Dr. Serkan Aktaş is a huge source of pride for me. It marks a significant milestone, and The Librarian will always represent my dedication and hard work.

However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. The biggest hurdle I faced was shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic. When we started filming in October 2021, the pandemic was still heavily impacting Turkey. Since I wrote the script before the pandemic, many scenes were meant to be shot outdoors, but due to strict health measures, I couldn’t get permission for any exterior shots. As a student with limited resources, I didn’t have the budget for essential safety measures like having an ambulance or paramedics on set.

There were times when I considered postponing the film or even giving up, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Even major productions were struggling, and some filmmakers had already quit. But instead of surrendering to the difficulties, I embraced a guerrilla filmmaking approach. With the passion of my team, we quickly adapted, shooting the exterior scenes in a way that followed the health protocols. Surprisingly, these guerrilla-style shots became some of the most praised parts of the film. Many audience members and critics noted that the outdoor scenes were among the highlights, which was incredibly rewarding.

The Librarian went on to win over 65 awards and was selected by prestigious film festivals around the world. This success is more than just a professional achievement; it represents the hard work, creativity, and resilience we showed in overcoming the obstacles we faced. To me, The Librarian will always symbolize perseverance and the intellectual and artistic approach I aim to bring to all my projects.

Fantasy and science fiction are key elements in your work. What is it about these genres that attracts you as a filmmaker?

Serkan Aktaş: Fantasy and science fiction are central to my work because they offer boundless creative possibilities. With my background in mathematics, I’ve always been fascinated by patterns, structures, and the endless potential that abstract thinking unlocks. Concepts like fractals—the Mandelbrot set, the Julia set, or the Sierpiński triangle—show how simple principles can give rise to infinite complexity. In the same way, these genres allow me to create worlds and ideas without limitations.

I’m naturally drawn to these genres because they let me explore the infinite. My imagination has no bounds, and only fantasy and science fiction provide the space to fully express that. These genres satisfy my intellectual curiosity and allow me to craft stories as expansive and limitless as the fractals I study.

Films like Being John Malkovich (1999) and Groundhog Day (1993) showcase the surreal power of fantasy, bending reality to explore profound concepts of existence and identity. They illustrate how fantasy can use imaginative storytelling to engage with deep ideas. On the other hand, films like Dark City (1998) and Pitch Black (2000) represent the best of sci-fi, pushing the limits of human survival and exploring the unknown, testing the laws of nature and reality. These films resonate with my creative vision—blending thought-provoking ideas with infinite imagination, which is what I aim to achieve in my own work.

For me, sci-fi and fantasy are like mental playgrounds. As a mathematician, I have the privilege of thinking beyond the ordinary, and these genres allow me to channel abstract mathematical concepts like fractals into visually compelling and engaging stories. I feel fortunate to be able to combine my passion for numbers, patterns, and the endless potential of storytelling in this way.

Who are some of your favorite filmmakers, and what works of theirs do you admire?

Serkan Aktaş: Some of my favorite directors are Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, Sergio Leone, and Steven Spielberg. Each of them has had a significant influence on my filmmaking style.

For Hitchcock, Vertigo is a standout. His mastery of building suspense while delving into psychological depth and the fragility of identity is unmatched. I admire how he keeps viewers on the edge of their seats by blending mystery with emotional complexity.

David Lean’s Doctor Zhivago exemplifies epic storytelling. I’m inspired by how he combines vast narratives with personal character arcs, all set against stunning backdrops. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to bring history to life on such an intimate scale is truly motivating.

Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West is a brilliant work of tension and atmosphere. His use of silence, slow pacing, and close-ups to intensify drama and evoke deep emotions is something I aim to incorporate in my own films, especially when it comes to building suspense and engaging the audience on a profound level.

Lastly, Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple demonstrates his incredible talent for weaving personal stories with broader societal themes. His emotional depth and his ability to pull viewers into the emotional lives of his characters continually inspire me to focus on the emotional heart of my own storytelling.

Could you share some details about your upcoming projects?

Serkan Aktaş: My next project is Kanlısırt – The Blood Ridge, a feature film that I’m both writing and directing. The script is already completed, and the story is set during the intense Battle of Gallipoli in World War I, focusing on the brutal confrontation between the Turkish and British forces at Blood Ridge (Kanlısırt). As Turkey’s most awarded filmmaker, I aim for this film to become the highest-grossing film in the country, targeting 13.5 million viewers. I believe that a filmmaker with such recognition should also aim to create the most widely watched film, and that’s exactly what I’m working towards with this project.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers just beginning their journey?

Serkan Aktaş: My advice is straightforward: read, watch, and write every day, then go out and make your film. The more you immerse yourself in different ideas, stories, and viewpoints, the better equipped you’ll be to create. Consistent learning and practice are essential—keep gathering knowledge and keep producing. This ongoing cycle of learning and creating is what will drive your development as a filmmaker.

Social Media Contact Addresses:

Interview with Serkan Aktaş: From Passion to Purpose – A Filmmaker’s Journey in Cinematic Storytelling