Çağıl Saydam, who graduated from Department of Cinema and Digital Media, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) this year, came in first place at the 27th International Adana Altın Koza Film Festival with her “61 Sokak No 4” titled film based on the dialogues of a woman living alone at home. Competing in the "experimental" category in the National Student Films Competition held within the scope of the festival, Saydam was awarded the "Best Experimental Film" award for her film that she acted in and directed. As a result of the evaluation made by the jury consisting of screenwriter Banu Bozdemir, actor Baran Şükrü Babacan and director Can Evrenol, Saydam came in first place among the 5 films that made it to the finals. Saydam said, “I aim to improve myself in the film industry. The award I received gave me happiness and courage.”
The award ceremony of the Altın Koza Film Festival, organized by the Adana Metropolitan Municipality between 14-20 September 2020, was held at the Süleyman Seba Cultural Center in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. Numerous films competed in documentary, fiction, experimental and animation categories at the National Student Film Competition, which causes great excitement every year. Izmir resident Çağıl Saydam competed in the "experimental" category with her “61 Sokak No 4” titled film she prepared under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Aras Özgün, Head of IUE Department of Cinema and Digital Media, and Lecturers Dr. Hazal Bayar and Ali Matay. Çağıl, who took part in every stage of the film from sound to editing, from mounting to acting, overcoming difficult pandemic conditions, received an award for her efforts.
I FELT I WAS GOING TO GET AN AWARD
Stating that it was an indescribable feeling to receive an award with the film she completed in about 3 months, Saydam said, “The movie I prepared was also the one that was included in my graduation project. I started working for the movie in March. This period coincided with the time when pandemic conditions were also getting worse. I received the greatest support from my academics during this period. They were always in touch with me, they always guided me. I had the opportunity to experience the applied and theoretical knowledge I gained at my university during the film creation process. The film is based on a woman who is alone at home who talks to herself (monologue) and her behaviors and experiences in this period. I was the director and the actor in the movie. When I found out that I made it to the finals, I felt that I would receive an award.”
IT GAVE ME COURAGE
Saydam continued her speech as follows: “Receiving an award in such an important competition made me very happy. I aim to improve myself in the field I studied and continue my career journey in the film industry. At this point, the award I received gave me courage as well as happiness. It motivated me even more. During the festival, I had the opportunity to meet famous directors and actors. I would like to thank my university, academics, and everyone who trusted and supported me.”
