Mavi Boncuk |The Eye of Istanbul[1] produced by Ümran Safter won the best of fest award at the Washington DC Independent Film Festival[2] 2016.The “Eye of Istanbul” tells the story of Güler in conjunction with the preparatory stages of a retrospective exhibition of his in Istanbul. The documentary follows a non-linear narrative and explores the artistic process and the impulses that lead to his works of art. Güler’s curiosity, resourcefulness and fearlessness - all of which play a part in making him who he is - are showcased through a series of stories in the film.
The core team members behind the film are co-directors Binnur Karaevli and Fatih Kaymak, Director of Photography Zafer Bir, Script Writer Ahsen Diner, Editor Engin Yıldız, Composer Derya Türkan and Project Consultant Nezih Tavlas.
“The Eye of Istanbul,” has become a finalist at the 18th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival – Images of the 21st Century, to be held from 11 to 20 March 2016.[1] Directed by Binnur Karaevli and Fatih Kaymak (Turkey/2015/61mins)
World Premiere
THE EYE OF ISTANBUL tells the story of Ara Güler, the legendary Armenian-Turkish photographer and the culmination of his retrospective exhibition in Istanbul. The documentary follows a non-linear narrative, which explores the artistic process and impulses of this great master. Ara’s curiosity, resourcefulness, and fearlessness are revealed through a series of stories in the film. At 87 years old, Ara is a complex and unforgettable character. He is still sharp, irreverent, funny and philosophical. Although he is mostly recognized for his black and white photographs of Istanbul, he has enjoyed an international career, which has spanned over sixty years and has generated more than one million photographs.
The film follows Ara Güler as he prepares for his retrospective exhibition where he assembles his photographs and the stories behind his most iconic images spring to life. From the poor workers of Istanbul to the goat herders of Anatolia to the Israeli/Palestinian conflicts, Ara has captured the essence of the second half of the 20th century. Ara thinks of himself not as a photographer but a historian who has captured the lives of people and major historical events since the 1950s.
[2] DCIFF was launched in 1999 to nurture independent film. As a competitive festival, all films are Washington DC premieres and many are U.S. and world premieres. As the oldest independent film festival in Washington, the DC Independent Film Festival has a storied history of presenting extraordinary films. We have showcased cutting edge features, shorts and documentaries on every subject from every country with every budget and subject imaginable.
THE EYE OF ISTANBUL tells the story of Ara Güler, the legendary Armenian-Turkish photographer and the culmination of his retrospective exhibition in Istanbul. The documentary follows a non-linear narrative, which explores the artistic process and impulses of this great master. Ara’s curiosity, resourcefulness, and fearlessness are revealed through a series of stories in the film. At 87 years old, Ara is a complex and unforgettable character. He is still sharp, irreverent, funny and philosophical. Although he is mostly recognized for his black and white photographs of Istanbul, he has enjoyed an international career, which has spanned over sixty years and has generated more than one million photographs.
The film follows Ara Güler as he prepares for his retrospective exhibition where he assembles his photographs and the stories behind his most iconic images spring to life. From the poor workers of Istanbul to the goat herders of Anatolia to the Israeli/Palestinian conflicts, Ara has captured the essence of the second half of the 20th century. Ara thinks of himself not as a photographer but a historian who has captured the lives of people and major historical events since the 1950s.
[2] DCIFF was launched in 1999 to nurture independent film. As a competitive festival, all films are Washington DC premieres and many are U.S. and world premieres. As the oldest independent film festival in Washington, the DC Independent Film Festival has a storied history of presenting extraordinary films. We have showcased cutting edge features, shorts and documentaries on every subject from every country with every budget and subject imaginable.