I first became aware of Turkish director Burak Kum through our submit your film initiative, through projects such as “Absurd Man” , “Earth” and “Who“. Showcasing the ability to adapt to different genres while maintaining a unique visual approach, I was excited to get the chance to speak with Burak Kum in greater depth about his process and thoughts on cinema.
Burak Kum Bio
He was born in 1984 in Bursa. After graduating from the Department of Public Administration in Trakya University faculty of economic and administrative sciences, he worked as a director of photography, assistant director and editor in many commercials, documentaries, promotional films and feature films.
He founded Kanka Film Production Company and produced and undertook the post-production feature film ‘Love in Secret Garden'. The film was selected for the international competition section at the 35th Cairo Film Festival. Between 2017-2018, he directed many short films. ‘Far Fom Home' won awards from many national and international festivals. The film ‘Give back the Silent Spring' was selected as the best European film at the AgriCulture film festival in Italy. His short film Absurd Man won awards Roma Short Film Festival (Best Short Film), American Golden Picture International Film Festival (Best Experimental Short Film), Changing Face International Film Festival (Best Experimental Short Film), Nafco Film Festival (Judge's Award Comedy), Best Istanbul Film Festival (Jury Award) , Assurdo Film Festival (Best Sci-Fantasy- Action). His short film Nevermind won award in 4th stage 32. Also he filmed intro videos for Chess Film Festival, Roma Short Film Festival and Hollywood Short Film Festival.
Can you please tell us about your own background in film and how you first became interested in making cinema?
As a hobby, I have been interested in every field of art for as long as I can remember. I realized that the best way to express myself is to shoot a movie. Also, my search for authenticity encouraged me to make movies. I know that the shorts “Absurd Man”, “Far From Home”, “Give Back The Silent Spring” and “Nevermind” that we shot with this power, and the international success of those films are the right cornerstones in this road we are proceeding to make feature films. I don't think I'll come back this way either.
What are some of your personal favourite filmmakers and films?
I cannot count the names of directors and movies one by one. Because they are too many, and also very different in terms of country of origin and chronology. In addition, it is always changing for me. However, I can say that; I love both mainstream and arthouse movies that are sincere and original, shot with blood, sweat and tears. Also, I love directors looking for new ways in every new movie.
Your work seems to vary in genre, how important is it for you as a filmmaker to experiment with different stories and styles?
An idea whispers to me how to write a script and how to shoot it. I also follow it. All my effort is to try to hear it. You know, if you try to sense the theme, it will guide you. Different ideas always mean different ways. As someone who changes and develops every day, this is very normal for me. I am not enthusiastic but demanding, I have demands from cinema. I have more stories to tell and methods to use.
Both “Earth” and “Who” focus on older generations, what is your inspiration behind this choice and why do you feel it is important to have stories reflective of this generation?
I do not know if people feel old to me because I am a child-minded person. Perhaps, through this method, I am looking at the place and time we live in with the glasses of experience to understand everything better. I am already somewhere between childhood and old age.
Your work often feels left for the audience to interpret, which is notable in your short film “Earth”. I was hoping you could expand on what this film means to you and how it reflects your own views on people's ability to communicate with one another.
I see that the biggest reason the world sometimes turns into a hell place is that our sense of empathy disappears and we easily forget what we went through. In my opinion, this feeling has always been the basis of both political and sociological issues and male-female relations. That couple is actually as old as Adam and Eve… I explained all this symbolically in the film “Earth.”
Your visual approach to film is an interesting mix of experimental and traditional elements, what is the inspiration behind this style?
Part of this question is a good compliment for me. Thanks a lot for that. This is what I'm trying to achieve. My biggest goal is to make films that are easy to watch for the audience while pushing the possibilities of cinema as much as possible.
What is your opinion on the current film industry in Turkey and the ability to embrace independent voices?
This is a very long topic. I would like to have a long discussion with the relevant people. There is a little glimmer of hope.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start making their own short films?
They shouldn't be making a result-oriented film, everyone has the minimum equipment to make movies right now. They just have to make a movie, they just have to think about that. Like the character in the movie “Absurd Man”, they should listen to the voice of their heart. They can take everything, but no one can get that voice from you. Imitating or applauding the achievements of others can undermine originality and artistry. Now, a nice phrase from Nietzsche comes to mind “Don't think you're going their way as long as they praise you; you are going the way of others.” In addition, cinema lovers should form a team. Being a team is the most important key to this job. For example, I have been working with Zeynep Üstünipek for a long time. So, they shouldn't forget the value of being a team. Also, people who make movies should always criticize themselves and believe in their work the more they criticize; just like breathing. I shoot movies like that. I also say all of these to myself essentially every day. Yes, I shoot movies like breathing!
Any projects you are currently working on you would like to share? What would be the best way for people to be informed of any upcoming projects?
I want to make feature films. I already have many scenarios that I think are universal. I know this will happen soon. I know that internet journalism internet platforms are the most effective way in today's developing technology, like this platform. Many thanks to Adam J. Symchuk and Asian Movie Pulse for giving me this opportunity.
