Serkan Aktaş: A Filmmaker’s Journey at the Intersection of Science, Art, and Storytelling

Serkan Aktaş is an award-winning filmmaker whose visionary approach to fantasy and science fiction cinema has earned him global acclaim and 215 international awards. His unique background in Business Administration and Mathematics, combined with advanced film studies from the Istanbul Cinema Academy and Beykent University, informs a storytelling style that fuses analytical precision with boundless creativity.

“My background in business taught me to plan meticulously, while mathematics revealed the hidden patterns of existence—both of which now form the backbone of my filmmaking.”

A Confluence of Disciplines

Educated at Anadolu University and Dokuz Eylül University, Aktaş’s academic journey laid the foundation for a filmmaking style that is both structured and imaginative. His training provided him with the tools to see patterns in chaos and to craft stories that explore hidden connections, merging logic with the art of narrative.

“Cinema is where logic meets imagination.”

Mathematics as a Muse

Abstract mathematics, fractals, and quantum mechanics serve as constant sources of creative inspiration for Aktaş. He transforms complex scientific concepts into visual metaphors that illuminate the human condition. In films like Mirrorty (2017) and Resurrection under the Ocean (2021), he weaves scientific theories into narratives that challenge viewers to see the world through a new lens.

“I see the world through a lens of infinite possibility—each story a reflection of a greater cosmic design.”

Crafting Award-Winning Narratives

Aktaş’s filmography spans a series of groundbreaking short films that have redefined genre filmmaking in Turkey. His notable projects include:

Lucky Coin! (2022) – Short Film

The Death Ox (2022) – Short Film

The Librarian (2022) – Short Film

Resurrection under the Ocean (2021) – Short Film

Mirrorty (2017) – Short Film

Creative solutions in film

Lovedex Night Shift (2016) – Short Film

“With my intellectual perspective and filmmaker identity, I strive to find solutions to the world’s unsolved real-world problems or contribute to those solutions through making movies.”

The Art and Craft of Filmmaking

For Aktaş, every creative decision is a delicate balance between technical precision and raw passion. His formative years at the Istanbul Cinema Academy instilled in him the understanding that cinema is not just a profession—it’s a way of life. This philosophy guides him as he uses technical elements like metaphors, camera angles, and visual motifs to support the emotional arc of his stories.

“The Academy taught me that cinema isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life. It provided me with the tools I needed to bring my vision to life.”

“I use technical elements like metaphors, camera angles, and visual motifs to support and elevate the emotional arc of my story.”

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

The journey of filmmaking is not without obstacles. Aktaş faced significant challenges during the production of The Librarian, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite tight budgets and logistical hurdles, he and his team embraced a guerrilla-style approach that ultimately turned adversity into an opportunity for creative innovation.

“At one point, I seriously considered postponing the film or even abandoning it. The uncertainty and tight budget made everything nearly impossible, yet we pushed forward with a guerrilla-style approach.”

His unwavering commitment to his craft is encapsulated in his advice for aspiring filmmakers:

Every moment sparks creativity

“Read every day, watch every day, write every day, and then make your movie.”

Inspirations, Collaborations, and Future Visions

Influenced by cinematic legends like Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, Sergio Leone, and Steven Spielberg, Aktaş has developed a distinctive visual language that emphasizes suspense, narrative scale, and emotional depth. Collaborative moments, such as the serendipitous meeting with writer Larry Coleman at an international film festival, have also played a crucial role in his creative evolution.

“The directors who have had the biggest impact on my creative vision have shown me the power of visuals to convey meaning and emotion without words.”

“Meeting Larry Coleman turned a moment of writer’s block into a collaborative partnership that not only pushed a project forward but also improved my English skills.”

Future narratives await evolution

Looking to the future, Aktaş continues to push the boundaries of genre filmmaking. He is currently developing a sci-fi project on artificial intelligence and robots with Larry Coleman, as well as working on Kanlısırt – The Blood Ridge, a historical film set during the Gallipoli campaign.

“I’m currently working on a sci-fi project about artificial intelligence and robots with Larry Coleman, and also on ‘Kanlısırt – The Blood Ridge,’ a historical film set during the Gallipoli campaign.”

Beyond the Screen

Not limiting his creative endeavors to cinema alone, Aktaş also explores his themes through literature. His books—The Librarian (2023) and Mirrorty (2023)—offer deeper insights into the philosophical and scientific ideas that underpin his films, extending his narrative world beyond the screen.

“Writing allows me to explore ideas that I later bring to life on screen. My books are expanded versions of my screenplays, giving audiences a deeper look at the philosophies that drive my films.”

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Serkan Aktaş’s work is a testament to the power of blending science, art, and storytelling. His innovative vision continues to challenge conventional narratives, inviting audiences to rethink reality and explore the infinite possibilities of existence.

Through his groundbreaking work, Serkan Aktaş not only tells compelling stories but also redefines the very fabric of cinematic art, inspiring viewers to see the world in entirely new ways.