Ali̇ İlhan Director

Born in Istanbul in 1980, I began my cinematic journey with the short film Delik in 2003, which earned accolades at national and international festivals. My early work quickly gained recognition, leading to my film Belki in 2006, which caught the attention of renowned director Çağan Irmak, with whom I later collaborated as an assistant director. This experience enriched my vision and strengthened my dedication to storytelling.

In 2005, I founded Turkey’s first digital cinema platform, , which won the prestigious Golden Spider Award. My debut feature film, Sinyora Enrica ile İtalyan Olmak, was inspired by an encounter in Rimini, Italy, and brought to life by the legendary Claudia Cardinale. This film not only received critical acclaim but also made history as the first to win the Golden Orange Award at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival with a foreign lead actress. I was honored with the Special Jury Award, and later, in 2017, received the Best Director Award at the Cinede Autor de Mallorca Film Festival.

In 2020, after over a decade in Rome, I returned to Turkey to direct the TV series Hercai, achieving a notable rating increase within a short time, which earned recognition at the Media Oscars. Most recently, in 2024, I completed my second feature film, Emanet—an action/drama film that was released in theaters in March.

Driven by a love for unique narratives and cultural diversity, I aim to bring untold stories to life through film, touching audiences and fostering understanding across borders. My work, blending Turkish and Italian influences, celebrates the richness of the human experience.

Overview

NationalityTürkiye

LanguagesTurkish (mother tongue), English (fluent), English – American (fluent), English – British (fluent), Italian (fluent)

Born1980, Türkiye

Real nameAli İlhan

Awards/Nominations

2017 Cannes Film Festival – Honor Plaque Claudia Cardinale (Ministry of Culture) (France) - Award

2017 Mallorca Auteur Cinema Festival – Best Film (Spain) - Award

2017 Mallorca Auteur Cinema Festival – Best Director (Spain) - Award

2017 Mallorca Auteur Cinema Festival – Best Actress (Claudia Cardinale) (Spain) - Award

2016 Sila International Film Festival – Best Film (Italy) - Award

2014 Mirabella Eclano Scrivere il Cinema Film Fest – Best Debut Film (Ali Ilhan) (Italy) - Award

2011 Durres International Film Festival – Silver Plaque Best Actress (Claudia Cardinale) (Albania) - Award

2011 Durres International Film Festival – Best Film (Audience Award) (Albania) - Award

2011 Tenerife International Film Festival – Best Film (Audience Award) (Spain) - Award

2011 London International Film Festival – Best Film (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) - Award

2011 New York International Film Festival – Best Actress (Claudia Cardinale) (United States of America) - Award

2011 New York International Film Festival – Best Film (Audience Award) (United States of America) - Award

2010 Antalya International Film Festival – Best Actress (Claudia Cardinale) (Türkiye) - Award

2010 Antalya International Film Festival – Jury Special Award (Türkiye) - Award

CV

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