Yesim Ustaoğlu's cinematic journey began with a series of award-winning short films in Turkey, laying the groundwork for her feature film debut with 1994's "The Trace" (İz). This inaugural film made a significant impact, being showcased at numerous international festivals, including Moscow and Gotenburg, and ultimately taking home the Best Film Award at the prestigious Istanbul Film Festival.
Ustaoğlu's subsequent film, "Journey To The Sun" (Güneşe Yolculuk),released in 1999, garnered international acclaim, competing in the esteemed Berlinale and receiving the coveted Blue Angel Award (Best European Film) and the Peace Prize. The film went on to sweep the Istanbul Film Festival, claiming the top honors of Best Film, Best Director, the FIPRESCI Prize, and the Audience Award.
In 2003, Ustaoğlu took the bold step of launching her own production company, Ustaoğlu Film, which would go on to produce her subsequent features. Her third film, "Waiting for the Clouds" (Bulutları Beklerken),premiered in the 2014 Berlinale Panorama and was awarded the NHK Sundance - International Film-maker's Award.
Ustaoğlu's fourth feature, "Pandora's Box" (Pandora'nın Kutusu),made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and went on to win the Golden Shell for Best Film and the Silver Shell for Best Actress Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Her fifth feature, "Somewhere in Between" (Araf, 2012),premiered in the Orrizonti section of the 69th Venice Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim, taking home the Best Film Award at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the Split Mediterranean Film Festival, as well as the Best Performance Award at the Moscow, Tokyo, and Pune Film Festivals.
Ustaoğlu's latest cinematic endeavor, "Clair Obscur" (Tereddüt),is a testament to her continued dedication to her craft, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual aesthetics.
