An Interview With Filmmaker Erdeniz Tunç
Turkey is not known for it’s output of Science Fiction films. During the 1950’s, known as the Yeşilçam era, Turkey created its own version of the blockbusters from Hollywood. At the time these were hits such as The Invisible Man and Tarzan, two Hollywood tales that were popular at the time. When Blockbusters really came into their own we got treats including a Turkish version of Start Wars and E.T. which have gone on to gather a bit of a cult following in recent years.
This year marks the launch of Akıncı, the first science fiction TV show in a long time and also getting a lucrative slot on prime-time television. Meanwhile Netflix have also been making their mark on Turkish audiences with Protector, a Turkish Superhero series. There seems to be a renewed interest in Science Fiction in the mainstream. However, Turkey does have a growing number of independent filmmakers who are already exploring the genre and creating some excellent Science Fiction films. This new wave of filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of what Turkish cinema is, and taking it in whole new directions.
We recently took the time out to speak to a young filmmaker Erdeniz Tunç who has been making waves on the festival circuit with his own take on science fiction. His films have recently screened at the Lift-Off Film Festival and Revere International Student Film Festival. We were very interested to find out more about how the Indie Sci-Fi scene is transforming in Turkey.
Hello Erdeniz, it’s great to meet you. How are you managing in this Pandemic?
I had a lot of time to devote to my hobbies. I’ve filmed a few of my scripts. The only obstacle I’ve come across while filming was the curfews and our time was limited since our shooting locations were far from the city center, but despite that, we shot two short films. I think it was a nice experience.
So you have made good use of your time!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I was born in 2003. I am a person who loves science and cinema. My short film adventure started in 2019 and I am loving every minute of the journey.
What got you into making Science Fiction films?
Turkish Science Fiction films are rarely made. I live in a small city and if you go for a walk at 6 o’clock in the morning, nobody is there, the city is completely empty. One morning while I was walking I had the feeling of a complete post-apocalyptic scenario I thought to myself, “Why isn’t a post-apocalyptic movie made here?” Fast forward two or three years later 2-3 years late and I have shot two post-apocalyptic short films in the city where I live. I love to shape an ordinary subject into a film using science fiction. I simply love creating science fiction films.
That us great that your local surroundings inspired you to make science fiction films.
What is it that you enjoy most about Sci-Fi?
Sci-Fi movies about the near future are great. I am interested in the effects of technology on human life. I also have a lot of fun watching 80’s science fiction-teen movies.
Good choice, there are some excellent ones out there.
What has been your biggest influences?
I saw a low budget Turkish short film. It was different from other Turkish productions in terms of genre. When I watched it, I realized that impressive films can be created with a low budget. I had the idea of making short films. when I watched this movie, I realised this was an achievable dream and I started writing scripts with my friends. I am also influenced by my favorite movies, computer games and songs.
Computer games can be a great source of inspiration.
Any films or directors that you take inspiration from or look up to?
I love films by John Carpenter, Alfred Hitchcock , M. Night Shyamalan, Can Evrenol and David Cronenberg. When I write a script, I first determine the genre of the movie and write the script by taking examples from the movies and computer games I like in that genre.
We love John Carpenter! An absolute legend of independent film-making in our book!
How would you describe the independent Film Scene in Turkey?
Much more innovative than Mainstream cinema. Science fiction is slowly developing on the Turkish indie scene and there has been a big increase in the horror genre. With the pandemic, post apocalyptic films have started to appear more regular, especially with the low budget short film crowd. I think overall the indie scene is progressing very well.
It is good to hear that the scene is growing and moving forward.
Are film festivals in Turkey helping to push this new wave of cinema?
Film festivals in Turkey don’t often support genre films. Although things are starting to change and some festivals are beginning to take a closer look and support it.
Do you feel that Turkish Filmmakers are beginning to explore more genres and create more original science fiction content?
Turkey used to produce 300-400 films a year from the 1960’s through to the early 1980’s and had a fantastic film flow. Unfortunately this production ceased in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. There has been a return to genre cinema in the mainstream recently which has been great. I am hoping this will continue to grow and develop going forward.
Hopefully this new wave of filmmakers will help to push the boundaries and continue to move things forward.
Do you feel like there is more of an appreciation for science fiction?
Comedy and Drama are very important in TV and movies in Turkey. For genre cinema, thriller films are more prominent than science fiction. In the old Turkish cinema, there are science fiction movies that have reached the cult level now too.
And so they should! There is some great content out there. ‘3 Dev Adam’, we are talking about you!
How has the Turkish audience taken to your films?
There are people who like our movies and those who don’t. We improve ourselves in line with the criticism. Since we can make different movies with low budget, there are lovers and supporters, we are very pleased with this.
That’s great. It is good to get constructive criticism of any kind. Good or bad. It means you are able to develop and grow as a filmmaker.
Do you plan to branch out into any other genres?
Apart from that, I plan to make a science fiction short film with more tension.
It is good to hear you have plans moving forward.
What projects do you have coming up? Anything you can tell us about?
I want to make a short film about one of the horror stories of Anatolia. I am also currently working on a thriller science fiction scenario. For this movie I am really working on bringing in a lot of tension to it. I want to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
That sounds very interesting. We looking forward to hearing more about that.
What does the future hold for Erdeniz?
Working hard and Productivity.
We they are good ethics to live by. I believe if you continue what you are doing a lot of good things will be coming your way. Good luck with your upcoming projects. We look forward to hearing more about them in the future.
