Inside the mind of renowned Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Özpetek

The world-renowned director Ferzan Özpetek, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 55th International Antalya Film Festival, answered the questions of movie buffs. Producer Tilde Corsi, art director Deniz Göktürk Kobanbay, theater and film actress Çiğdem Onat, actress Şebnem Bozoklu and cinematographer Gian Filippo Corticelli talked about their memories with Ferzan Özpetek and what they experienced while working with the famous director.

Ferzan Özpetek said that "Hamam" ("Steam: The Turkish Bath") is one of the most important films of his career. "It was my first film after working as an assistant director for 16 years. It was a film made with limited facilities. My mom used to cook at home and send it to the movie set. They did not accept the film in festivals in Venice and Berlin. I was demoralized," Özpetek said.

"The film we sent to Berlin stayed there. A team from Cannes accidentally watched the film and took it to Cannes. My whole life changed in 15 days after the screening in Cannes. ‘Hamam' introduced me to the whole world. After that, every film I made was easier to release," he added.

Özpetek said that he wants to make films in the eastern part of Turkey. "I went to Diyarbakır. It is a region of 32 civilizations with effective locations, atmosphere, light, and people. I am making a movie in Italy in May. Maybe this could happen after this movie," Özpetek said.

Ferzan Özpetek said that he does not make any pilot films while casting the actors but instead asks them about everyday things.

"The actor's attitude reveals what kind of an actor they are, and I have never been wrong. It is something instinctive. Şebnem Bozoklu is a superior actress, so is Çiğdem Onat. I fall in love with the actors I work with," the accomplished director continued. "If someone says something negative, I become their enemy. The people I work with are idols. If the actor excites you during the set, they will excite the audience a hundred percent in the film," he said. Producer Tilde Corsi said she wants to make another film in Turkey with Ferzan Özpetek. Çiğdem Onat, meanwhile, stated that Özpetek is both elegant and a perfectionist while working. Deniz Göktürk Kobanbay and Gian Filippo Corticelli, on the other hand, said that they are very lucky to have worked with Ferzan Özpetek. The trailer of Özpetek's latest film, "Napoli Velata" ("Naples in Veils"), which will be released in Turkey on Oct. 26, was screened following this interview.