Atıf Yılmaz

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Lore & Background

Atıf Yılmaz was born on 9 December 1925 in Mersin, Turkey, to a Kurdish family originally from Palu, Elazığ. After finishing high school in Mersin, he attended the Law School of Istanbul University but dropped out due to his interest in arts, entering the Painting Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Istanbul. He later remarked that his education in painting helped him when directing his movies. He began his film career working as a film critic, making paintings, and writing film scripts to earn a living. After co-directing two movies as an assistant director to Semih Evin in 1950, his directing career began with the film 'Kanlı Feryat' (The Bloody Cry). In 1960, he established his film company 'Yerli Film' with actor Orhan Günşıray. His filmography includes notable works such as 'Keşanlı Ali Destanı' (Kesanli Ali's Epic), 'Selvi Boylum, Al Yazmalım' (My Girl with the Red Scarf), 'Bir Yudum Sevgi' (A Sip of Love), 'Adı Vasfiye' (Her Name is Vasfiye), and 'Mine'. Many of his films carried social messages and tackled taboo subjects; 'Mine' and 'Her Name is Vasfiye' were considered revolutionary for their themes of sexuality and societal reaction. He never gave up making movies throughout his life, even when the industry stopped filmmaking due to economic reasons. He played an important role in the professional career of notable Turkish film directors like Halit Refiğ, Yılmaz Güney, Şerif Gören, Zeki Ökten, and Ali Özgentürk.

Reader's Guide

Atıf Yılmaz's significance lies in his prolific output and his role in shaping Turkish cinema over more than five decades. With 119 directed films, 53 screenplays, and 28 produced films, he was a constant presence in the industry from 1951 until his death in 2006. His work often challenged social norms, addressing topics like sexuality and societal hypocrisy at a time when such themes were taboo. Films such as 'Mine' and 'Her Name is Vasfiye' were groundbreaking in their frank portrayal of these issues. He received numerous awards, including multiple Best Director prizes at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival: in 1965 for 'Keşanlı Ali Destanı', 1972 for 'Zulüm', 1976 for 'Deli Yusuf', 1978 for 'My Girl with the Red Scarf', 1984 for 'A Sip of Love', and 1986 for 'Ah! Belinda'. His film 'A Sip of Love' was named Best Turkish Film of the Year at the Istanbul International Film Festival in 1985, and 'Her Name is Vasfiye' won the same award in 1986. He received an Honorary Award at the 10th Istanbul International Film Festival in 1991, and an Honour of Lifetime Award at the 33rd Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival in 1996. His film 'Berdel' won the Golden Palm for Best Film at the Valencia Festival of Mediterranean Cinema in 1991. He also received an honorary doctorate from Hacettepe University in 1991. His influence extended beyond his own films, as he mentored several notable Turkish directors who became major figures in their own right. Despite economic downturns that halted film production in Turkey, Yılmaz persisted, demonstrating a commitment to filmmaking that defined his career.

Did You Know?

• Atıf Yılmaz dropped out of law school at Istanbul University to study painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Istanbul, and later said his painting education helped him when directing movies.
• He co-directed two movies as an assistant director to Semih Evin in 1950 before his own directing career began with 'Kanlı Feryat' (The Bloody Cry).
• In 1960, he co-founded the film company 'Yerli Film' with actor Orhan Günşıray.
• His films 'Mine' and 'Her Name is Vasfiye' were considered revolutionary at the time of their release for their themes regarding sexuality and the reaction of society.
• He played an important role in the professional career of notable Turkish film directors including Halit Refiğ, Yılmaz Güney, Şerif Gören, Zeki Ökten, and Ali Özgentürk.