Director Zeynep Gulru Kececiler is a Turkish filmmaker who has made an impact in the industry with her unique and thought-provoking films. She was born in Istanbul in 1977 and grew up in a traditional family and was exposed to films and television from an early age.
She received her first degree in English Literature from Marmara University in Istanbul and went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Film at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Kececiler’s first short film, “Misafir,” was selected for the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 and her first feature film, “Silver,” was selected for the Istanbul International Film Festival in 2013. She has since written and directed five feature films, including “The Orphan” and “The Birdman,” which were both selected for the Berlin International Film Festival.
Kececiler’s films often explore human relationships, with a focus on the complexities of family dynamics and the struggle between tradition and modernity. Her films often feature strong female characters and are thought-provoking and engaging.
Her latest film, “Kismet”, is a story about two sisters who are united by the same passion, but divided by culture and tradition. The film has been praised for its honest portrayal of post-war Turkey and its exploration of the relationships between siblings.
Kececiler has also written and directed several short films and documentaries. She has served as a jury member for the Istanbul International Film Festival and has been nominated for several awards, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Kececiler is a passionate filmmaker who is committed to exploring and challenging the status quo. She is a force to be reckoned with in the Turkish film industry and her films have been praised for their thought-provoking storylines and powerful female characters.
