My Artistic Journey
I have worked in the film industry and different art areas, especially photography and engraving. Drawing inspiration from these fields has become a new normal for me. I made this approach my way of life without even realizing it.
Producing and Documenting
I took responsibility for producing the last movie I worked on and shot the behind-the-scenes footage for a documentary. By doing so, I witnessed the entire shooting process and the journey of a movie.
Filming ‘About Dry Grasses’
In the snowy highlands of Turkey, we endured the changing climate to shoot “About Dry Grasses,” directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The highlands, usually snowy in January, were snow-free when we arrived. Nature was changing, responding to what humanity had done to it. In the end, it snowed, and we shot the intense snow scenes we wanted. But since most days were sunny, we had to shoot during sunset and sunrise hours. As crew members, we spent many days waiting for the sun to set.
Lessons from Nature
Production requires creating opportunities, finding solutions, and being creative for a work of art to come true. For this, patience, endurance, calmness, and timing are necessary. Nature wanted us to listen and wait for the right time. During that time, I learned many lessons. I experienced extreme cold for the first time. We endured temperatures from -33 degrees to +55 degrees. By listening to nature, surrendering to its forces, and working within its limits, we persevered. No matter how much you prepare during pre-production, nature will always have the final say.
The Film’s Success and Personal Journey
The film was completed, released, and connected with audiences. Its success at Cannes 2023 was followed by my trip to the North Pole for my project. I returned with wonderful developments, joys, and challenges. During this process, I experienced life and death, happiness and sadness, losses and awards. I realized the value of being able to breathe comfortably a few days after my father’s chemotherapy ended. Just days earlier, he had said, “Well done, my daughter. I’m glad you went!” All the anxiety and hard work, filled with fears at the beginning, were finally behind me.
Everest and Personal Reflections
Before going to Everest, when I was on the verge of giving up, defeated by my fears, I remembered my father’s words. Everest reminded me of what he said while struggling to breathe, adding a turning point to my life. What does it mean to say ‘life’s turning point?’ How many turning points can there be in life? Who am I, and what am I doing in this world? How well do I know my own limits? Can I find answers to these big questions? These thoughts sparked my dream of journeying to Everest. Now, after returning, I can say that it turned my life around.
Reflecting on Life’s Journey
“How much oxygen do you need for the summit?” sounds more like “How much do you need to hold on to life?” How many reasons do you find that give meaning to your life, keep you alive, and allow you to breathe? How much can you endure in the face of obstacles, and can you keep believing that a solution will eventually come your way?
Planning and Preparing for the Trek
Can these questions be separated from measuring and assessing something, from learning its quantity and financial value? Can everything be known with certainty? Should the journey be fully understood in advance, with all its promises laid out? Should it be viewed like a purchase with a price tag, asking, “Is this journey worth this much?” I had never trekked before and had no climbing experience. I had lived at sea level my entire life and had never been to a high altitude.
Inner Discovery and Physical Climb
However, this journey was not only about the physical climb but also an inner discovery. After losing my father to lung cancer, his breathing difficulties taught me the fragility of breath, life, and existence. I also mentally prepared myself for the physical challenges I might face. Despite all my concerns, could this journey help me understand the cycle of life and the resilience of the soul?
Making the Trek Possible
So, how could I make this trek possible? How could I land in Nepal? Despite all the economic difficulties and the many things I felt needed organizing, I did my best and believed in it. Since I was embarking on this journey, I felt I should share my travels and inspire others.
Documenting and Sharing
Starting with photography, cinema, and engraving, which are already integral parts of my life, I dreamed of documenting and sharing the inspiring aspects of this journey. After months of correspondence and dreaming, it all came true. Finally, I embarked on the journey with the goal of creating photographs, engravings, and documentaries.
