Serkan Aktaş is a filmmaker who does more than just tell stories—he creates entire universes. Blending his intellectual background with his creative vision, Aktaş invites audiences to venture into the unknown. From his award-winning short films such as The Librarian (2022) Resurrection Under the Ocean (2021) and Mirrorty (2017) to his thought-provoking books and creative explorations, Aktaş uses the genres of fantasy and science fiction to explore some of the biggest questions about life, humanity, and the universe. As he often says, “With my intellectual perspective and filmmaker identity, I strive to find solutions to the world’s unsolved real-world problems or contribute to those solutions through making movies. That’s what I do.”
What sets Serkan’s journey apart is how seamlessly he integrates his diverse skill set. Holding degrees in Mathematics and Business Administration, combined with advanced studies in Film and Television, Aktaş’s career is a fusion of logic and creativity. “I like to use mathematics to solve real-world problems,” he says, “because I integrate abstract mathematics into my stories.” This unique approach allows him to build his films with the precision of a mathematician solving a complex equation, while using the boundless creativity of cinema to explore infinite possibilities. The result is a body of work that not only entertains but also challenges audiences to think deeply, revealing new layers upon each viewing.
Serkan Aktaş stands as the most award-winning filmmaker in Turkey, with 215 international accolades to his name—a testament to his unique ability to merge intellectual depth with cinematic artistry. Despite his extraordinary success, Aktaş remains grounded. For him, filmmaking is not about personal glory; it’s about connection. As he puts it, “I want people to experience the same joy and wonder that cinema brings me.” His greatest joy comes from hearing how his films resonate with audiences, sparking awe and provoking deep thought long after the final credits have rolled.
For Aktaş, filmmaking isn’t just about entertaining an audience—it’s about making them think and feel. “The best movie is one that can be watched over and over again,” he believes, and his films are a testament to that philosophy. Whether it’s a visually stunning underwater adventure or a mind-bending tale about forbidden knowledge, his work always aims to ask the big questions: What does it mean to be human? How do we balance curiosity with caution? What lies beyond the limits of what we know? These questions are not just theoretical for Aktaş; they are the driving forces behind every film he creates.
Serkan’s unique perspective comes from more than just his professional training—it’s also shaped by his purpose. “Read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your movie,” he advises aspiring filmmakers. His life is a testament to this mantra, as he continues to evolve as an artist by constantly learning, creating, and pushing boundaries. The deeper he immerses himself in his craft, the greater the worlds he is able to build for his audiences.
In this interview, Serkan shares insights into his creative process, the sources of inspiration behind his work, and what’s next for him. With projects like Kanlısırt - The Blood Ridge, a film set during the Gallipoli campaign of World War I, Aktaş continues to break new ground. His goal is not just to create; it’s to create films that resonate deeply with viewers, challenge their perspectives, and offer them a chance to reflect on the world around them. As he puts it, “I believe that a filmmaker with the most awards should also create the most-watched film.”
Serkan Aktaş is not just a filmmaker; he’s a storyteller who proves that with intellect, creativity, and an unwavering sense of purpose, you can shape worlds that transcend the screen and touch the hearts and minds of those who watch.
Serkan Aktaş: Dreamer of Worlds, Maker of Stories
Q1: How does it feel to be recognized as Turkey’s most awarded filmmaker?
Serkan Aktas: It’s incredibly humbling to be acknowledged as the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, with 215 global awards to my name. However, I always remind myself that awards are simply a reflection of the work we've done—they’re not the ultimate goal, but rather a part of the journey. I’ve always believed that the best movie is one that can be enjoyed repeatedly, and that’s what I strive for: creating films that resonate deeply on multiple levels with audiences. For me, recognition isn’t just about personal success; it’s about how my work can inspire others, provoke thought, and help foster a deeper understanding of the world.
When I look back on my path, I think of the challenges I’ve faced, the passion that has driven me, and my core mission—to make films that not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations about the issues we face. The global recognition of my films reaffirms my belief in cinema’s power to connect, educate, and inspire. Ultimately, my true reward is seeing people experience the same joy and wonder that cinema brings me.
Q2: What led you to move from a background in Business Administration and Mathematics to the world of filmmaking, which is quite different in nature?
Serkan Aktaş: My shift from Business Administration and Mathematics to filmmaking might seem unconventional, but for me, it was a seamless transition. My passion for cinema has always been present—spending countless hours in theaters and crafting stories, especially in the realms of sci-fi and fantasy. I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling, and my mathematical background actually played a significant role in shaping my creative approach. The patterns and structures in abstract math helped refine my storytelling abilities, allowing me to infuse complexity and depth into my films.
While studying Mathematics at university, I couldn't ignore the urge to dream, write, and create. Math, with its logical beauty, sharpened my creative thinking. I first discovered my passion for filmmaking at 16, when my brother and I watched Hokkabaz, a Turkish film. That experience sparked a lifelong love for cinema, and I realized that filmmaking was the perfect medium to merge my analytical side with my deep need to tell stories.
As I explored the world of cinema further, I recognized that filmmaking allowed me to combine problem-solving, intellectual exploration, and creativity in a way that spoke to both my heart and mind. It's not just an art form to me—it’s a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions while also addressing real-world challenges. Ultimately, filmmaking was the ideal way to channel both my analytical skills and my creative passion, which is why I decided to pursue it professionally.
Q3: Fantasy and science fiction play a major role in your work. What draws you to these genres as a filmmaker?
Serkan Aktaş: Fantasy and science fiction are integral to my work because they offer limitless creative potential. As someone with a background in mathematics, I’ve always been captivated by patterns, structures, and the endless possibilities that abstract thinking presents. Concepts like fractals—the Mandelbrot set, the Julia set, or the Sierpiński triangle—demonstrate how infinite complexity can emerge from simple principles. Similarly, these genres provide the freedom to build worlds and ideas without boundaries.
I’m naturally drawn to these genres because they allow me to explore the infinite. My imagination has no limits, and only science fiction and fantasy offer the space to fully express that. These genres satisfy my intellectual curiosity, while also enabling me to create stories as expansive and limitless as the fractals I study.
Films like Being John Malkovich (1999) and Groundhog Day (1993) demonstrate the surreal potential of fantasy, twisting reality in ways that challenge our understanding of existence and identity. They show how fantasy can use imaginative storytelling to engage with profound ideas. On the other hand, films like Dark City (1998) and Pitch Black (2000) represent the best of sci-fi, pushing the boundaries of human survival and the unknown, testing the laws of nature and reality. These movies align with my creative vision—they blend thought-provoking ideas with boundless imagination, which is what I strive for in my own films.
For me, sci-fi and fantasy are a mental playground. As a mathematician, I have the privilege of thinking beyond the ordinary, and these genres allow me to channel abstract mathematical concepts, like fractals, into visually captivating and compelling stories. I feel fortunate to merge my love for numbers, patterns, and the limitless possibilities of storytelling in this way.
Q4: Is there a specific mission or purpose that guides your work as a filmmaker?
Serkan Aktaş: Yes, there is a clear mission behind my creative journey, which is deeply connected to both my intellectual perspective and my identity as a filmmaker. My primary goal is to use cinema as a means to tackle real-world issues and provide solutions to the unsolved problems of our time. As I often say, 'With my intellectual perspective and filmmaker identity, I strive to find solutions to the world's unsolved real-world problems or contribute to those solutions through making movies. That's what I do.'
To me, cinema isn’t just an art form; it’s a powerful tool for change. Through my films, I aim to challenge established ways of thinking, spark important discussions, and inspire fresh perspectives on the world. This mission is the driving force behind all my work as a filmmaker.
Additionally, my background in mathematics and business administration adds a unique dimension to my approach. It allows me to approach filmmaking from an analytical and strategic perspective, while still staying true to the creativity and artistry that shape my films. This combination of intellect and artistry helps me address complex issues in a way that’s both thought-provoking and accessible.
Ultimately, my goal is to make films that are not only entertaining but also meaningful, by either offering solutions or raising awareness about the world’s most urgent challenges. This is at the core of my work and what motivates me every day as a filmmaker.
Q5: Who are some of your favorite filmmakers, and what works of theirs do you admire?
Serkan Aktaş: My favorite directors are Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, Sergio Leone, and Steven Spielberg. Each of them has had a profound impact on my work and my approach to filmmaking.
For Hitchcock, Vertigo stands out. His ability to create suspense while exploring psychological complexity and the fragility of identity is unparalleled. I admire how he keeps audiences on edge, blending mystery with emotional depth.
David Lean’s Doctor Zhivago is a perfect example of epic storytelling. The way he weaves together grand narratives with intimate character journeys, all set against breathtaking landscapes, is something I aspire to in my own films. His attention to detail and his ability to bring historical moments to life in such a personal way is inspiring.
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West is a masterpiece of tension and atmosphere. His ability to use silence, slow pacing, and close-ups to build emotional weight and heighten drama is something I strive to incorporate into my work, especially in creating suspense and engaging the audience on a deeper level.
And then there’s Steven Spielberg, whose The Color Purple showcases his incredible capacity to blend personal, human stories with larger societal themes. Spielberg's emotional resonance and his ability to draw audiences into the heart of his characters is something that continually inspires me to think about the emotional core of my own storytelling.
Q6: What advice would you offer to those just starting out in filmmaking?
Serkan Aktaş: My advice is simple: read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your film. The more you expose yourself to different ideas, stories, and perspectives, the more you'll be able to create. Consistent learning and practice are key—keep absorbing knowledge, and keep creating. It’s this cycle of input and output that will fuel your growth as a filmmaker.
Q7: What upcoming projects or goals are you most excited about?
Serkan Aktaş: My upcoming project is Kanlısırt - The Blood Ridge, a feature film that I’m both writing and directing. The script is already completed. The film is set during World War I, focusing on the intense battle between the Turkish and British armies at Gallipoli, specifically at the Blood Ridge (Kanlısırt). As the most award-winning filmmaker in Turkey, my goal is to make this the most-watched film in the country, reaching 13.5 million viewers. I firmly believe that a filmmaker with the most awards should also aim to create the most-watched films, and that’s the benchmark I’ve set for this project.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14575507/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serkan-aktas-a12463260/
The Movie Database (TMDB): https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4089513-serkan-aktas
Filmfreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/SerkanAktas
Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/director/serkan-aktas/
Twitter: https://x.com/AktashSerkan
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user67879661
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBTv2OlCkA3KMcz4pqyG-EA
