Yeşim Ustaoğlu

After making several award – winning shorts in Turkey, Yeşim Ustaoğlu made her feature film debut with 1994’s THE TRACE (iZ). The film was presented at numerous international festivals, including Moscow and Gotenburg.

Yeşim Ustaoğlu received international recognition for her 1999 film, JOURNEY TO THE SUN (GÜNEŞE YOLCULUK). In competition at the Berlin Film Festival, JOURNEY TO THE SUN received the Blue Angel Award (Best European Film) and the Peace Prize. The moving story of a courageouas friendship undaunted by political cruelty, JOURNEY TO THE SUN swept the İstanbul Film Festival by winning Best Film, Best Director, the FIBRESCI Prize and the Audience Award.

Her third film, WAITING FOR THE CLOUDS, the story of a woman forced to live for 50 years with the haunting secrets of a hidden identity, was awarded NHK Sundance – International Film-maker’s award. Film traveled many festival and established a strong reputation for the director. Ustaoğlu’s fourth film, PANDORA’S BOX tells the story of an old woman who suffers from Alzheimer disease. The film won The Best Film and The Best Actress award in San Senastian Film Festival. Having participated many international festivals and winning many awards, the film also theatrically released in many countries. —ustaoglufilm.com