Atıf Yılmaz facts for kids

Atıf Yılmaz Batıbeki (born December 9, 1925 – died May 5, 2006) was a very famous Turkish film director, screenwriter, and film producer. He was a true legend in the Turkish film world. He directed 119 movies, wrote 53 screenplays, and produced 28 films. He was active in the film industry for a very long time, starting in 1951.

Early Life and Education

Atıf Yılmaz was born on December 9, 1925, in Mersin, Turkey. His family was Kurdish and originally from Palu. After finishing high school in Mersin, he started studying law at Istanbul University.

However, he was very interested in art. So, he decided to leave law school. He then joined the Painting Department at the Academy of Fine Arts in Istanbul. After he graduated, he worked on painting projects. He often said that his art training helped him a lot when he was directing movies.

A Career in Film

At first, Atıf Yılmaz worked as a film critic. He also painted and wrote movie scripts to earn money. His directing career officially began in 1951. He co-directed two movies as an assistant director before making his first film, Kanlı Feryat (which means The Bloody Cry).

In 1960, he started his own film company called "Yerli Film." He did this with the actor Orhan Günşıray.

Important Movies by Atıf Yılmaz

Atıf Yılmaz made many important movies. Some of his most well-known films include:

• Hıçkırık (The Sob)
• Alageyik (The Fallow Deer)
• Suçlu (The Guilty One)
• Seni Kaybedersem (If I Lose You)
• Keşanlı Ali Destanı (Kesanli Ali's Epic)
• Taçsız Kral (The Crownless King)
• Selvi Boylum, Al Yazmalım (My Girl with the Red Scarf)
• Adı Vasfiye (Her Name is Vasfiye)
• Mine

He made movies that were easy to watch and often had important social messages. Many of the topics he explored in his films were new or even a bit controversial at the time. He kept making movies throughout his life, even when the film industry faced tough times.

Atıf Yılmaz also helped many other famous Turkish film directors. He played a big part in the careers of people like Halit Refiğ, Yılmaz Güney, Şerif Gören, Zeki Ökten, and Ali Özgentürk.

He passed away on May 5, 2006, in Istanbul.

Filmography

Atıf Yılmaz was involved in many films as a director, producer, and screenwriter. Here are some of his works:

Director

Producer

Screenwriter

Awards and Honors

Atıf Yılmaz received many awards for his amazing work in film.

Prizes

• Society of Journalists Turkish Film Festival, 1959, This Land's Children, Best Director
• 2nd Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1965, Kesanli Ali's Epic, Best Director
• 2nd Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1965, Kesanli Ali's Epic, Runner-Up Film
• 9th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1972, Zulüm, Best Director
• 13th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1976, Deli Yusuf, Best Director
• 15th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1978, My Girl with the Red Scarf, Best Director
• 21st Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1984, A Sip of Love, Best Director
• Istanbul International Film Festival, 1985, A Sip of Love, Best Turkish Film of the Year
• Istanbul International Film Festival, 1986, Her Name is Vasfiye, Best Turkish Film of the Year
• 23rd Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1986, Ah! Belinda, Best Director
• 10th Istanbul International Film Festival, 1991, Honorary Award
• Valencia Festival of Mediterranean Cinema, 1991, Berdel, Golden Palm for Best Film
• 6th Adana Altın Koza Film Festival, 1992, Berdel, Runner-Up Film
• 33rd Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 1996, Honour of Lifetime Award
• 14th Moscow International Film Festival, 1985, Golden Prize nomination (Mine)

Honorary Doctorate

• 1991 Hacettepe University gave him an honorary doctorate degree.

Books Written by Atıf Yılmaz

Atıf Yılmaz also wrote some books about his experiences:

• Söylemek Güzeldir, Afa Yayınları, May 1995
• Bir Sinemacının Anıları (Memories of a Filmmaker), Doğan Kitapçılık, January 2002