Nefise Özkal Lorentzen is a director, producer, and screenwriter from Turkey. Her work has been featured in international film festivals and she is renowned for her powerful and socially conscious films.
Lorentzen was born in Ankara, Turkey in 1983. She studied film at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. After graduation, she returned to her native Turkey to pursue a career in film.
Lorentzen made her directorial debut in 2008 with the short film “The Red Room,” which premiered at the Ankara International Film Festival. The film was a critical success and earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
In 2010, Lorentzen released her feature-length directorial debut, “Kara Kedi” (Black Cat). The film tells the story of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery. It was screened at the Istanbul International Film Festival, where it was awarded Best Film.
Lorentzen went on to produce and direct her first feature-length documentary in 2013. “The Last Shepherd” follows the life of a traditional shepherd in the remote mountains of Turkey. The film won the Grand Prix at the Istanbul International Film Festival and was also screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.
In 2015, Lorentzen released her second feature-length documentary, “Citizen of the World.” The film follows the story of a Turkish-Australian woman who is struggling to find her place in both her homeland and her adopted country. It was nominated for the Grand Prix at the Istanbul International Film Festival and won Best Documentary at the International Human Rights Film Festival.
Lorentzen’s most recent feature-length film, “The Road to Paradise,” was released in 2018. The film follows a young girl’s journey of self-discovery as she embarks on a quest to find her true identity. It was awarded Best Narrative Feature at the Istanbul International Film Festival.
Lorentzen’s films are renowned for their powerful messages and social commentary. She is passionate about telling stories that challenge the status quo and explore the complexities of identity and belonging.
Nefise Özkal Lorentzen is a highly acclaimed director whose work has been featured in international film festivals. She is a powerful storyteller whose films are acclaimed for their social commentary and thoughtful exploration of identity.
