Nuri Bilge Ceylan is a renowned Turkish film director, screenwriter, and actor, who has made a significant contribution to the world of cinema. Known for his introspective, slow-burning films, Ceylan is considered one of the greatest living directors in Turkish cinema.
Born in Istanbul in 1959, Ceylan studied engineering at Istanbul Technical University before moving on to study filmmaking in Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. He started his career as a still photographer, and later turned to filmmaking, directing his first feature film, 'The Small Town,' in 1997.
Ceylan's films are characterized by their slow, contemplative pacing, and their focus on the inner lives of his characters. His style has been compared to that of the great Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky, as both directors explore the themes of spirituality, existentialism, and the human condition.
Many of Ceylan's films also deal with the complexities of human relationships, particularly between men and women. In 'Three Monkeys' (2008), for example, a man takes the blame for a hit-and-run accident that his politician boss committed, leading to a rift between him and his family. In 'Winter Sleep' (2014), a wealthy hotel owner's marriage falls apart as he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and the community around him.
Ceylan's films have been acclaimed both in Turkey and internationally. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 for 'Winter Sleep.' He has also been the recipient of the Best Director award at Cannes in 2008 for 'Three Monkeys,' and the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 2018 for 'The Wild Pear Tree.'
Distant (2002)
Ceylan's 'Distant' tells the story of two distant cousins, Yusuf and Mahmut, who are forced to live together in Istanbul. The film explores the alienation and loneliness that both men feel in their lives, as well as the generational divide between them. The film was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003.
'Climates' is a portrait of a couple, Isa and Bahar, whose relationship is falling apart. The film explores the complexities of human relationships, as well as the nature of love and desire. Ceylan won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006 for his direction of the film.
In 'Three Monkeys,' a man takes the blame for a hit-and-run accident that his politician boss committed. The film explores the themes of guilt, corruption, and betrayal, as well as the inner turmoil of the characters. Ceylan won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008 for his work on the film.
Ceylan's 'Once Upon a Time in Anatolia' is a meditative film that follows a group of men, including a prosecutor, a doctor, and a police officer, as they search for a dead body in the Anatolian steppes. The film explores the themes of memory, loss, and mortality. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011.
'Winter Sleep' tells the story of Aydin, a wealthy hotel owner, and his strained relationships with his wife and sister. The film explores the themes of isolation, class conflict, and the nature of power. Ceylan won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 for his direction of the film.