Serkan Aktas is an award-winning filmmaker globally recognized for his contributions to the genres of fantasy and science fiction cinema. He holds degrees in Business Administration from Anadolu University and in Mathematics from Dokuz Eylül University. Aktas honed his filmmaking skills at the Istanbul Cinema Academy, where he graduated with distinction. He also earned a Master's and a Doctorate in Film and Television from Beykent University. His notable works include films like The Librarian (2022), Mirrorty (2017) and Resurrection under the Ocean (2021), which have been acclaimed in film festivals around the world.
How does it feel to be recognized as the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey? It’s truly humbling to be recognized as the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, with 214 awards globally as a filmmaker. But I always remind myself that awards are just a reflection of the work we've done. They’re not the destination, but a part of the journey. I’ve always believed that the best movie is one that can be watched over and over again, and I strive to create films that resonate deeply with people on multiple levels. Recognition, for me, is not just about personal achievement; it’s about seeing how my work can inspire others, open minds, and contribute to a greater understanding of the world around us.
When I reflect on my journey, I remember the challenges, the passion that drove me, and my purpose—to create films that not only entertain but also spark conversation about the real-world problems we face. The fact that my films are being recognized globally reaffirms my belief in the power of cinema to connect, educate, and inspire. Ultimately, I want people to experience the same joy and wonder that cinema brings me. And that, for me, is the true reward.
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 Sierpinski 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.
What's been the most meaningful project you've worked on? Tell us the backstory so we understand circumstances/context and why it's meaningful to you. The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly The Librarian. Not only because it’s my doctorate project in Film and Television at Beykent University, but also because it holds such a personal significance in my life and career. Completing this project allowed me to earn my Doctorate in Art, and becoming Dr. Serkan Aktas is something that fills me with immense pride. It was a major milestone, and The Librarian will always be a symbol of my hard work and dedication.
However, making the film wasn’t without its challenges. The biggest obstacle I faced while directing The Librarian was shooting a movie during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, in October 2021, the pandemic was still having a very serious impact in Turkey. Since I wrote the script before the pandemic, many scenes were intended to be shot outdoors. But with strict health measures in place by the Ministry of Health, I was unable to get permission from the municipality for any exterior shots. As a student with limited resources, I didn’t have the budget to cover essential safety measures such as having an ambulance and paramedics on set.
There was a point when I thought about postponing the movie or even giving up, especially since the end of the pandemic seemed uncertain. Even many big-budget films were struggling, and some filmmakers had already quit. But instead of giving in to these difficulties, I decided to embrace a guerrilla filmmaking approach. With a passion for filmmaking and the support of my team, we quickly shot the exterior scenes in a way that adhered to the health measures, despite the challenges. In fact, these guerrilla-style exterior shots became some of the most praised aspects of the film. Many audience members and critics have pointed out that the exterior scenes are among the best parts of the film, which was incredibly rewarding for me.
The Librarian went on to receive over 65 awards and was selected by numerous prestigious film festivals worldwide. This success is not just a professional achievement; it’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and resilience that went into overcoming the obstacles we faced. For me, The Librarian will always be a symbol of perseverance and the kind of intellectual and artistic approach I aim to bring to all of my projects.
Who are your favorite directors? Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, Sergio Leone, and Steven Spielberg.
How has the Turkish film industry influenced your creative journey? The Turkish film industry has had a profound influence on my creative journey. Filmmakers like Ertem Egilmez and Yavuz Turgul have shaped my understanding of storytelling and character development, especially in how they blend humor with deep human emotions. However, there is one Turkish film that stands out in my life. I discovered my talent for writing stories and making films when I was 16. My elder brother and I watched Hokkabaz, a Turkish film, and it was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. That experience sparked my passion for filmmaking and set me on the path I am on today.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey? Yes, there is a particular mission that drives my creative journey, and it is deeply rooted in my intellectual perspective and my identity as a filmmaker. My ultimate goal is to use cinema as a tool to address real-world issues and offer solutions to the unsolved problems of our time. As I always 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."
Cinema, for me, is not just an art form; it's a powerful platform for change. Through my films, I aim to challenge conventional thinking, provoke important conversations, and inspire new ways of understanding the world. This mission drives everything I do as a filmmaker.
At the same time, my background in mathematics and business administration adds a unique dimension to my work. It allows me to approach filmmaking analytically and strategically, while still maintaining the creative and artistic vision that defines my films. The combination of these intellectual aspects enables me to address complex issues through storytelling in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible.
Ultimately, my goal is to create films that are not only entertaining but also contribute meaningfully to society by offering solutions or raising awareness about the world's most pressing challenges. That is the heart of my work, and it’s what motivates me every day as a filmmaker.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers? Read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your movie. The more input, the more output. Keep learning and creating.
What upcoming projects or goals are you most excited about? My next project is Kanlisirt - The Blood Ridge, a feature film I’m writing and directing. The script is already finished. Set during The story is about the battle between Turkish Army and British Army at the Bloody Ridge (Kanlisirt), Gallipoli, during World War I. As the most award-winning filmmaker, my goal is for this film to be watched by 13.5 million people, making it the most-watched movie in Turkey. I believe that the filmmaker with the most awards should also create the most-watched film, and that’s what I aim to achieve with this project.
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