Serkan Aktas

What inspired you to transition from an analytical background in Business Administration and Mathematics to the creative world of filmmaking?

The transition from Business Administration and Mathematics to filmmaking may seem unconventional, but for me, it was a natural progression. Before filmmaking, I was always fascinated by movies, spending hours in theaters and dreaming up sci-fi and fantasy stories. My love for storytelling began early, and my background in Mathematics only fueled my creativity as a writer. Abstract math, with its patterns and structures, deeply influenced how I approached storytelling, and I often integrate abstract mathematical concepts into my films to add depth and complexity to the narratives.

During my time as a math student at university, I found it impossible to stop dreaming and writing. Math enchanted me, as it allowed me to think analytically while also sharpening my creative instincts. I discovered my talent for writing and filmmaking when I was 16. My elder brother and I went to see Hokkabaz, a Turkish film, which was the first movie I ever watched in a theater. That experience ignited a passion for filmmaking that stayed with me. It was then that I realized filmmaking was the perfect outlet to blend my intellectual pursuits with my deep desire to tell stories.

As I delved deeper into cinema, I found that filmmaking offered a unique way to merge my analytical skills with creativity. It allowed me to explore complex ideas, solve problems, and communicate profound messages in a way that resonates emotionally with audiences. For me, the beauty of cinema lies not only in its capacity to create art but also in its ability to inspire, provoke thought, and contribute solutions to real-world challenges. Ultimately, filmmaking became the ideal platform to integrate my analytical background with my passion for storytelling, and that’s what inspired me to pursue this career.

Fantasy and science fiction are central to your work. What is it about these genres that you find so compelling as a storyteller?

Fantasy and science fiction are central to my work because, for me, there are no limits to creativity within these genres. As a mathematician, I’ve always been fascinated by patterns, structures, and the infinite possibilities that abstract thinking can offer. Concepts like fractals—the Mandelbrot set, the Julia set, or the Sierpiński triangle—represent the beauty of infinite complexity emerging from simple principles, and in a similar way, these genres allow me to create worlds and ideas without boundaries.

I can’t stop myself from dreaming and writing in these genres because they fulfill a need within me to explore the infinite. My dreams have no boundaries, and only sci-fi and fantasy give me the space to fully express them. They satisfy my intellectual curiosity while allowing me to craft stories that are as limitless as the fractals I study.

Films like Being John Malkovich (1999) showcase the surreal potential of fantasy, where reality is twisted in such a way that we’re forced to rethink human existence and identity. Groundhog Day (1993) is another perfect example, using a seemingly simple concept of time loop to explore deeper existential questions and the possibility of personal transformation. These films reflect how fantasy can engage with profound ideas through imaginative, often mind-bending storytelling. On the other hand, Dark City (1998) and Pitch Black (2000) represent sci-fi at its best, where the unknown and human survival are tested in worlds that challenge the laws of nature and reality. These movies resonate with my creative spirit—they embody the fusion of thought-provoking concepts and boundless imagination that I strive for in my own work.

I love sci-fi and fantasy because they offer a playground for my mind. As a mathematician, I am fortunate to think in ways that transcend the ordinary, and these genres are the perfect outlet to bring abstract mathematical ideas, like fractals, into compelling and visually stunning stories. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to blend my love for numbers, patterns, and fractals with the endless possibilities of storytelling.

Your films are known for their timelessness and depth. How do you approach crafting a story that resonates across different audiences and generations?

Creating films that resonate across different audiences and generations is something I strive for in every project. The key, I believe, is in tapping into universal emotions, ideas, and experiences that transcend time. I approach storytelling with the intention of creating something that connects on a deeper level—whether it’s the joy of discovery, the thrill of wonder, or the emotional impact of a powerful narrative.

One of my guiding principles as a filmmaker is that I want people to experience the same joy and wonder that cinema brings me. I believe cinema has the power to transport us into new worlds and help us see the familiar in a different light. This timeless magic is what I aim to capture in every film. By focusing on emotions and themes that are universal—like love, loss, hope, and transformation—my stories can resonate with people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or the era in which they watch.

I also believe in creating depth in my films. It’s important to craft stories that aren’t just entertaining in the moment, but that also invite reflection and discussion long after the credits roll. I often infuse layers of meaning into my work, allowing different generations to find something new or relevant to their own experiences. Whether it’s through the narrative structure, the themes, or the characters, I aim to create films that feel as relevant today as they will in the future. By doing so, I hope to ensure that my stories will continue to resonate with audiences, inspiring new generations of filmgoers.

What was the most challenging aspect of creating award-winning films like The Librarian, Mirrorty, and Resurrection under the Ocean?

The most challenging aspect of creating award-winning films like The Librarian, Mirrorty, and Resurrection under the Ocean was building a strong dramatic structure while inventing or finding the most appropriate metaphors to support the themes I wanted to explore. Each of these films presents a unique narrative, and finding the right metaphor to encapsulate their emotional and psychological depth was both challenging and rewarding.

In The Librarian, the sea serves as a powerful metaphor. Mazhar, the protagonist, struggles with his identity and the pressures of both unemployment and his fear of losing his language. The sea in this film represents his search for freedom and an escape from the overwhelming forces affecting his inner world. It symbolizes both the vastness of his emotional landscape and the feeling of being lost, yet still searching for a way to rise above his personal and societal challenges. Crafting this metaphor into the story’s dramatic structure required a balance between the emotional journey and the symbolic depth, allowing the sea to serve as a visual and thematic anchor for Mazhar’s struggle.

In Resurrection under the Ocean, the metaphor of resurrection is explored through the psychological rebirth of a man who sinks helplessly to the ocean’s depths. The film uses the ocean as a symbol of emotional drowning, and his eventual “resurrection” represents a form of psychological rebirth—a rising from the ashes, but in a deeply internal and personal sense. The most challenging part of this film was ensuring that the metaphor of resurrection felt both grounded and universal, allowing it to represent not just a literal rebirth but also the emotional and psychological transformation that can happen when a person faces their deepest struggles.

Meanwhile, Mirrorty uses the metaphor of mirrors—specifically black mirrors like smartphones, computers, and TVs—to reflect our growing alienation in a world dominated by technology. The protagonist, who lives alone in a city where people are mysteriously disappearing, represents how we are increasingly isolated from society, lost in our own virtual worlds, and indifferent to the real tragedies around us. The black mirrors of technology become symbols of our detachment and nonchalance toward the real world. The challenge here was to create a narrative that not only conveyed the mystery of the protagonist’s disappearance but also explored the deep psychological impact of living in a digital world where we lose touch with the things that truly matter.

In all of these films, I strive to use metaphors that are both visually compelling and thematically resonant. Whether it’s the sea in The Librarian, the ocean as a place of psychological rebirth in Resurrection under the Ocean, or the black mirrors in Mirrorty, these metaphors allow me to explore complex emotional and societal issues. The challenge is always to ensure that these metaphors are integrated seamlessly into the narrative, giving the audience a deeper connection to the themes while allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels organic and impactful.

You emphasize the importance of storytelling that provokes thought and sparks conversations. Can you share an example of how one of your films has achieved this?

One example of how my work sparks conversation and provokes thought is through The Librarian. The film focuses on Mazhar, a librarian who has a deep love for books and languages, yet finds himself feeling increasingly alienated in a modern world that seems to be moving faster than he can keep up. His obsession with reading and learning Spanish, his internal struggle with the intrusion of another language into his life, and his emotional isolation all serve as a backdrop to explore deeper themes of identity, cultural alienation, and the pressures of modern society.

In The Librarian, Mazhar’s struggle is not just a personal crisis but a reflection of the larger societal challenges that many people face today. His isolation, his difficulty in connecting with others, and his ultimate search for meaning resonate with anyone who has ever felt disconnected or overwhelmed by the forces shaping their lives. The film specifically addresses the alienation that many individuals feel in an increasingly globalized world, where languages, cultures, and identities are constantly in flux. Mazhar’s reluctance to embrace digital technologies, his preference for physical books, and his desire to learn in an authentic way highlight the tension between tradition and the rapid technological changes we face in today’s society.

The film’s metaphorical elements—such as his imaginary twin and the sea imagery—invite viewers to reflect on how we navigate our own personal and cultural identities in a constantly changing world. Mazhar’s emotional journey, as he struggles with loneliness and a sense of being ‘stuck’, challenges the audience to think about their own lives, the pressures they face, and the ways in which they deal with isolation and disconnection. The societal issues of refugee crises and cultural tensions in the film add an additional layer of relevance, prompting conversation about global issues in a deeply personal way.

What I find most rewarding is that The Librarian leaves the audience with more questions than answers, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences and the world around them. It’s a film that doesn’t offer simple solutions but instead encourages dialogue about cultural identity, the value of human connection, and the emotional weight of societal change. By addressing these themes, the film serves as a catalyst for conversations about the complexities of the modern world and the internal struggles that many people face.

Cinema, for you, is a medium to address real-world problems. How do you balance the fantastical elements of your films with grounded, thought-provoking narratives?

As a mathematician, I approach filmmaking with a unique perspective. I believe that cinema is not just a tool for storytelling but a medium through which we can address real-world problems and provoke thought. The balance between the fantastical elements and grounded, thought-provoking narratives in my films is achieved through my integration of abstract mathematics.

Mathematics provides a framework for understanding complex systems, patterns, and relationships—tools that are incredibly valuable when exploring the real-world issues that I want to address through film. By integrating abstract concepts from mathematics, like fractals, chaos theory, or even the idea of infinity, I can add depth and structure to my narratives. These mathematical elements help ground the fantastical aspects of my films, giving them a sense of logic and order while still allowing for creative freedom.

For example, in films like Mirrorty and Resurrection under the Ocean, where the narrative dives into complex psychological and existential themes, the use of mathematical ideas allows me to explore abstract concepts—like the cyclical nature of time or the infinite potential of the human mind—in a way that feels both grounded and imaginative. These themes, although fantastical in nature, are rooted in real-world ideas and problems that I believe are worth examining.

In essence, mathematics is a bridge for me between the abstract world of imagination and the concrete challenges we face in reality. It allows me to maintain a sense of structure and coherence within the fantastical worlds I create, ensuring that the story remains both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. By using math as a tool to explore and address real-world problems, I am able to craft films that are not only imaginative but also deeply relevant and thought-provoking.

You describe filmmaking as a daily discipline. Could you share more about your creative routine and how it influences your work?

Filmmaking, for me, is a daily discipline. I firmly believe that ‘Read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your movie.’ Creativity, in my view, is not something that comes in sporadic bursts; it requires consistent nurturing. Every day, I engage in activities that fuel my imagination and build the foundation for the stories I want to tell.

Reading every day exposes me to new worlds, ideas, and philosophies, which in turn shape how I approach storytelling. Whether it’s novels, essays, or scientific articles, reading broadens my understanding of life and offers countless sources of inspiration. Similarly, I make it a point to watch films every day. This is crucial not only for entertainment but as a learning experience. The more you watch, the more you learn about different cinematic techniques, narrative structures, and the emotional impact of storytelling. By constantly immersing myself in the world of film, I discover new ways of telling stories, which enriches my own creativity.

I believe that the more input, the more output. The more you read, the more you watch, the more you absorb, the more original and unique your stories and screenplays become. This constant influx of ideas, visuals, and emotions feeds into my writing process. Writing every day allows me to synthesize everything I’ve taken in—whether it’s something I read or saw—and turn it into something new and personal. Through writing, I filter these influences through my own voice, creating something that is uniquely mine.

Once I have written, I move to the filmmaking process, where all this accumulated knowledge and creativity comes together. My routine ensures that I am always refining my skills, expanding my imagination, and pushing myself to tell stories that resonate on a deeper level. This daily discipline is what allows me to stay inspired, maintain a steady flow of creativity, and ultimately produce films that are both original and meaningful.

As the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, how do you see your role in inspiring the next generation of filmmakers in your country and beyond?

As a filmmaker who has been fortunate enough to receive recognition both in Turkey and internationally, I see my role as an ambassador for the art of filmmaking—both in my country and beyond. My journey in film has been deeply tied to intellectual exploration and creativity, and I believe it is my responsibility to share this passion with the next generation of filmmakers.

Through my work, I try to show young filmmakers that cinema is not just about entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for intellectual freedom and social change. I strive to create films that challenge audiences to think, explore new ideas, and engage with the world in a deeper way. As I continue to make films that are respected globally, my hope is that these works will inspire future generations to see filmmaking as more than just a career, but as a means to address unresolved issues in society and offer solutions through storytelling.

I also believe in the importance of guiding students and young filmmakers to develop their own intellectual perspectives. I encourage them to use cinema to find their voice, to tackle real-world problems, and to create stories that matter. The thrill of seeing students grow and finally “get it” is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, as I am able to inspire them to pursue their passion with the same intensity and dedication that I do.

Ultimately, I see myself as not only a filmmaker but also a mentor—someone who encourages the next generation of creatives to push boundaries, think critically, and use their craft to make a positive impact in the world.

Your films have gained international acclaim. How has this global recognition influenced your perspective on storytelling and your approach to filmmaking?

International acclaim for my films has broadened my perspective on storytelling. It has shown me how universal themes—such as identity, isolation, and the human experience—can connect with diverse audiences. This recognition has encouraged me to create stories that resonate globally, while still staying true to my artistic vision. I’ve learned that authenticity and originality transcend cultural boundaries and make a lasting impact. Global recognition has also pushed me to refine my filmmaking craft, ensuring that my stories provoke thought, inspire change, and bring people together, no matter their background.

Looking to the future, what excites you most about the evolving landscape of cinema and your role within it?

Looking to the future, what excites me most is the potential for technology, particularly AI, to democratize filmmaking. As an independent filmmaker, I know how challenging it is to create a feature film with financial constraints and high production costs. However, I believe that in the future, AI and other emerging technologies will help lower these barriers, making filmmaking more accessible. This will allow indie filmmakers to create high-quality films on smaller budgets, empowering a new generation of storytellers to bring their visions to life.