Entertainment
Interview with Serkan Aktaş: Exploring the Art of Filmmaking
Serkan Aktaş, born on December 4, 1989, in Istanbul, Turkey, is an award-winning filmmaker globally recognized for his contributions to the genres of fantasy and science fiction cinema. He holds degrees in Business Administration from Anadolu University and in Mathematics from Dokuz Eylül University. Aktas honed his filmmaking skills at the Istanbul Cinema Academy, where he graduated with distinction. He also earned a Master’s and a Doctorate in Film and Television from Beykent University. His notable works include films like The Librarian (2022), Mirrorty (2017), and Resurrection under the Ocean (2021), which have been acclaimed in film festivals around the world.
Q: Tell me about your filmmaking journey and what initially drew you to this career path?
Serkan Aktaş: My filmmaking journey began at the age of 16, when I had a life-changing experience watching Hokkabaz, a Turkish film, with my older brother. Until then, I had always been drawn to films, watching them on DVD or CD for hours. But watching Hokkabaz on the big screen opened my eyes to cinema in a completely new way. It was a revelation. I felt a deep, undeniable connection to the art form, and that night, I decided I would become a writer and director. It was a moment that set the course for everything that followed.
Though I initially pursued a more analytical path, earning degrees in Business Administration and Mathematics, my passion for filmmaking was never far behind. I sought to deepen my understanding and sharpen my creative instincts at the Istanbul Cinema Academy, where I graduated with distinction. Later, I went on to complete both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Film and Television from Beykent University. These academic experiences gave me the tools to transform my ideas into cinematic realities, but it was my insatiable curiosity and my belief that the best films are those that stand the test of time that truly shaped my journey.
For me, the essence of filmmaking lies in the desire to evoke joy, wonder, and thought in the audience. As I continued to create, films like The Librarian (2022), Mirrorty (2017), and Resurrection under the Ocean (2021) became platforms for me to address real-world issues through the lens of fantasy and science fiction. Cinema, for me, is not just entertainment; it’s a way to challenge the status quo, to open minds, and to spark conversations.
I’ve always believed in the power of discipline in the creative process—reading, watching, and writing every day. This daily rhythm keeps me grounded and sharp, ensuring that I continue to push boundaries and explore new ideas. My goal has always been to share the same excitement and curiosity that cinema has given me, hoping that, through my work, others can experience the same sense of awe and wonder. Ultimately, filmmaking is a way for me to contribute to solving the world’s unsolved problems, whether through direct commentary or through the rich narratives that challenge audiences to think beyond the surface.
As the most awarded filmmaker in Turkey, I find the greatest reward in knowing that my films have an impact on people. Each time someone experiences my work, whether they feel inspired, moved, or challenged, I feel I’ve achieved my purpose. My journey is far from over, and I’m eager to continue exploring the infinite possibilities of fantasy and science fiction, always in pursuit of creating meaningful stories that make a difference.
Q: What are a few films that have significantly influenced your creative style?
Serkan Aktaş: Several films have had a profound influence on my creative style, especially those that explore the limitless possibilities of fantasy and science fiction. These genres resonate deeply with me, as they offer a canvas where imagination and intellectual curiosity can roam free.
Serkan Director
Films like Being John Malkovich (1999) and Groundhog Day (1993) are especially impactful. They take simple, often surreal concepts and use them to explore profound existential questions. Being John Malkovich twists reality in a way that forces us to reconsider human existence and identity, while Groundhog Day uses the time loop to examine the potential for personal transformation. Both films exemplify how fantasy can serve as a gateway to engage with complex philosophical ideas while still offering entertainment and wonder. These films taught me the power of blending mind-bending ideas with compelling narratives, a practice I try to bring to my own work.
On the other hand, films like Dark City (1998) and Pitch Black (2000) represent the darker, more gritty side of science fiction, where human survival and the unknown are tested in environments that defy the laws of nature and reality. These films challenge the viewer’s understanding of the world and push the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling. Their exploration of existential and philosophical themes within a sci-fi framework deeply resonates with me, particularly in how they balance complex ideas with gripping, atmospheric worlds.
As a mathematician, I am drawn to the abstract nature of sci-fi and fantasy. Concepts like fractals—the Mandelbrot set, the Julia set, and the Sierpiński triangle—represent the beauty of infinite complexity emerging from simple principles. Similarly, these genres allow me to create intricate, boundless worlds. They satisfy my intellectual curiosity and provide a space where I can merge abstract mathematical ideas with rich, imaginative storytelling. These films have significantly shaped how I approach both the form and content of my work, encouraging me to think beyond the ordinary and craft stories that explore infinite possibilities.
Q: How do you approach collaborating with actors to achieve the best performance?
Serkan Aktaş: When it comes to collaborating with actors, I believe in building a strong, personal connection before stepping onto the set. I strive to be a friend—especially a best friend—to the actors I work with. I spend time with them outside of the rehearsal process, just hanging out and getting to know each other on a deeper level. This approach, which I learned from a book about Quentin Tarantino and his work on Pulp Fiction, has proven to be incredibly effective.
Q: Describe your process for developing a shot list and how you utilize storyboards to visualize scenes?
Serkan Aktaş: My process for developing a shot list is a bit unconventional, as I prefer photoshoots over traditional storyboarding. Before the set, my Director of Photography (D.O.P.), a few actors, and I work together on a photoshoot for every scene in the actual locations where we will be shooting, frame by frame. I find this approach to be more effective than storyboarding because it allows me to visualize every detail of the scene and ensures that I don’t miss anything in the script. After the photoshoot, I turn the images into a catalog or booklet, which serves as a practical guide for the shoot. This method makes it easier to follow the scenes and gives me a clear visual reference to work from. It also helps me feel more relaxed and confident before stepping onto the set, knowing that I’ve already visualized each moment in detail.
Q: How do you stay updated on new filmmaking technologies and incorporate them into your projects?
Serkan Aktaş: I stay updated on filmmaking technologies by researching industry trends, attending conferences, and connecting with other filmmakers. When incorporating new technologies into my projects, I focus on how they enhance the narrative and viewer experience. However, as an independent filmmaker, I face the challenge of limited budgets, which can make it difficult to incorporate expensive technologies. While I may not always have access to the latest tools, I try to use available resources creatively, finding ways to incorporate new techniques within the constraints of my budget. My focus is always on serving the story, and I look for cost-effective solutions that can still bring the desired impact.
Q: What is your approach to handling unexpected challenges that may arise during filming?
Serkan Aktaş: I believe that when unexpected challenges arise, the key is to come up with the problem and try to find a new way to solve it. Every problem has a solution. Stay calm, be patient, and think that you will find a way to solve it. A good example of this was during the production of The Librarian. It was my doctorate film project, and I had to complete it to finish my degree. However, the realities of filmmaking, especially in independent cinema, proved to be much more complicated than I had anticipated.
The biggest challenge was a tight budget, compounded by the pandemic. Many exterior scenes in the script were written before COVID-19, but due to health restrictions and local authorities’ refusal to grant permission for outdoor shoots, I was unable to film them as planned. To make matters more complicated, just 10 days before filming began, I had a significant disagreement with both the cast and crew. This led to the difficult decision of letting go of key members, which left me with very little time to rebuild the team and get the production back on track.
Despite all these obstacles, I remained determined not to give up. I decided that waiting for the pandemic to end could mean losing the entire project, so I chose to adopt a guerrilla filmmaking approach for the exterior scenes. With a small, dedicated team, we shot those scenes quickly, without formal permissions. While it was far from ideal, the feedback from both audiences and critics showed that those guerrilla-style shots ended up being some of the most impactful moments in the film.
This experience taught me that perseverance, patience, and adaptability are key in overcoming the unexpected challenges that arise during production. When things don’t go as planned, it’s important to stay calm, think creatively, and keep moving forward.
Q: If you were to direct this film, what are the key themes you would want to highlight?
Serkan Aktaş: If I were to direct this film, the key theme I would want to highlight is the importance of collaboration, particularly with the Director of Photography (D.O.P.) and the First Assistant Director (1st AD). These two roles are absolutely essential for bringing the story to life. While every element of a film and every person on set must be perfect, for me, the D.O.P. and 1st AD are like my left and right arms. They are crucial in shaping the vision and flow of the production.
I’ve noticed that many directors who are very successful tend to work with the same D.O.P. and 1st AD, because over time, they develop a mutual understanding and a strong sense of communication. They talk to each other, understand each other’s vision, and know how to work in harmony. This synergy allows the director to focus on the creative aspects of the film, knowing that these key team members will execute the logistics and visuals in alignment with the story. Collaboration is at the heart of filmmaking, and these two roles, for me, are at the core of that process.
Q: What unique elements would you bring to a project to make it stand out?
Serkan Aktaş: To make this project stand out, I would bring my unique perspective as both a mathematician and a filmmaker, blending analytical thinking with creative storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of patterns and structures, especially in the realms of fantasy and science fiction, and I believe this allows me to approach storytelling in a way that others might not. By incorporating abstract concepts, like fractals or mathematical structures, into the narrative and visual style, I can create a film that feels fresh and intellectually stimulating.
In addition, my focus on creating timeless films, the kind that can be watched repeatedly with new layers of meaning revealed each time, would be another unique element. I aim to craft stories that engage both emotionally and intellectually, offering the audience more than just entertainment—they would walk away with something to reflect on. The emotional resonance and depth of the story, combined with visually innovative techniques, would help this project stand out in a crowded film landscape.
Lastly, I believe in the power of collaboration, and the strength of having a solid team that understands the vision. My approach to working closely with my D.O.P. and 1st AD, creating a synergy where we all work towards a common goal, would be essential in ensuring that this film is both a creative and technical success. It’s all about pushing boundaries, telling unique stories, and creating experiences that stay with the audience long after the credits roll.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
Serkan Aktaş: My next project is Kanlısırt – The Blood Ridge, a feature film that I’m both writing and directing. The script is already completed, and the story is set during the intense Battle of Gallipoli in World War I, focusing on the brutal confrontation between the Turkish and British forces at Blood Ridge (Kanlısırt). As Turkey’s most awarded filmmaker, I aim for this film to become the highest-grossing film in the country, targeting 13.5 million viewers. I believe that a filmmaker with such recognition should also aim to create the most widely watched film, and that’s exactly what I’m working towards with this project.
Social Media Contact Addresses
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14575507/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/serkan-aktas-a12463260/
https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4089513-serkan-aktas
https://filmfreeway.com/SerkanAktas
https://letterboxd.com/director/serkan-aktas/
Erielkina Pizarro: Building a Life of Passion, Creativity, and Impact
In today’s dynamic entertainment world, many emerging figures are redefining what it means to build a successful career. Instead of focusing on a single path, they combine creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal purpose to create meaningful opportunities. Erielkina Pizarro is among those individuals shaping a diverse journey that blends entertainment, business, and personal growth.
A Growing Presence in the Entertainment Industry
Erielkina Pizarro has been steadily developing her role in the entertainment industry by exploring multiple creative outlets. Her involvement in performance, media projects, and creative storytelling reflects a modern approach to entertainment where versatility plays an important role.
Rather than limiting herself to one discipline, she has embraced different opportunities to expand her experience and learn more about the industry. This willingness to grow and adapt has allowed her to continue developing her creative identity while connecting with new audiences.
Her journey represents the path many independent entertainers are now taking—building their presence step by step while staying committed to their artistic vision.
Entrepreneurship Inspired by Family
Alongside her entertainment pursuits, Pizarro has also entered the business world with a project close to her heart. Inspired by motherhood and her passion for fashion, she created Iris Kids Shop, an online brand focused on stylish and comfortable clothing for children.
The brand reflects both her creativity and her desire to create something meaningful for families. Through this venture, she aims to offer products that combine quality and design while building a brand that parents can trust.
Looking forward, Pizarro hopes to expand the business further and eventually open a physical store, turning the brand into a larger platform that reaches more customers.
Creative Expression Through Music and Writing
In addition to entertainment and business, Pizarro continues to explore her creative voice through music and writing. These outlets provide a way for her to express personal experiences and emotions in a deeper and more reflective manner.
Music allows her to communicate feelings and stories through sound, while writing offers a different space for introspection and storytelling. She is currently working on a book titled The Thought of My Emotions, a project that reflects on personal experiences and emotional growth.
Through these creative works, she hopes to inspire others by sharing her journey and encouraging people to embrace their own passions.
Balancing Ambition and Responsibility
One of the most inspiring aspects of Pizarro’s story is her ability to balance many roles in life. As a mother of four, she manages family responsibilities while continuing to pursue her ambitions in entertainment and business.
Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance, discipline, and determination. For her, personal challenges are not barriers but motivations that push her to work harder and grow stronger.
This balance between family, career, and community demonstrates that success can come from dedication to both personal and professional goals.
Continuing the Journey
As Erielkina Pizarro moves forward, she remains focused on expanding her creative projects and entrepreneurial efforts. With interests that span entertainment, fashion, music, and writing, she represents a new generation of creators who build careers across multiple industries.
Her story reflects the idea that passion and purpose can guide individuals toward meaningful achievements. By continuing to explore new opportunities and remain committed to her vision, Pizarro is steadily shaping a path defined by creativity, resilience, and growth.
Independent Artist Naldi Builds Global Momentum Through Culture, Consistency, and Viral Success. The global music landscape continues to evolve as independent artists increasingly find new ways to connect with audiences worldwide. Among the rising names in this movement is Naldi, an artist who has steadily built an international presence through a combination of cultural authenticity, consistent music releases, and strong digital engagement.
Born as Ronald Sefullahu on September 10, 1997, in Tirana, Naldi discovered his passion for music at an early age. Growing up in Albania’s vibrant cultural environment exposed him to a wide range of musical traditions that would later influence his signature sound. Blending modern pop production with Balkan and oriental musical elements, Naldi has developed a distinctive style that resonates with listeners across different regions.
In 2019, Naldi relocated to Toulouse, a move that helped expand his artistic horizons and introduced him to a broader European music scene. The experience allowed him to collaborate with new creatives, explore diverse musical influences, and further refine the sound that has since become a defining feature of his music.
Over the past few years, Naldi has demonstrated a remarkable level of consistency, releasing more than 50 songs across major streaming platforms. Tracks such as “Pse,” “Do Pi,” “Për Ty,” “A t’kam Munguar,” and “Në Krahët e Mia” have helped establish him as a notable independent voice within the modern Balkan pop landscape. His music continues to gain traction with listeners who appreciate both the emotional depth and the cultural authenticity present in his work.
Social media platforms have played a key role in expanding Naldi’s global reach. His songs have become widely used across short-form video platforms, where creators have incorporated his music into millions of videos. The viral growth has introduced his work to new audiences worldwide and significantly increased his streaming numbers across digital platforms.
Naldi has also collaborated with several artists within the regional music scene, including Bruno Revolt and Visjan Ukcenaj on the track “Mëkatare.” These collaborations have further expanded his reach while showcasing his versatility as an artist capable of adapting to different musical styles.
In 2026, Naldi reached another important milestone when the American music investment company Duetti acquired the rights to his music catalog for approximately €240,000. The deal reflects the growing value of independent music catalogs and highlights the commercial potential of Naldi’s expanding body of work.
As independent artists continue to reshape the music industry, Naldi’s journey represents a powerful example of how authenticity, cultural identity, and digital platforms can combine to create a global impact. With a growing international audience and a strong catalog of music already behind him, Naldi continues to position himself as one of the emerging independent artists to watch in the evolving global music scene.
Follow Naldi
- Instagram: @ronald.sefullahu
- TikTok: @ronaldsefullahu
- Facebook: Naldi
- YouTube: @naldiofficial
- Spotify: Naldi
At just 23 years old, Zay Boogie is carving her name into the soundscape of Philadelphia with a presence that feels bigger than the city limits. Born Tyzahe (pronounced Ty’zay), the Northeast Philly native turned a childhood nickname into a brand that now carries weight. “Zay” was already her name in the streets, but when a close friend compared her to Ace Boogie from Paid in Full, the name Zay Boogie stuck — and the energy behind it never left.
But this story isn’t about a nickname. It’s about transformation.
Zay Boogie began taking her craft seriously in 2022–2023, during one of the most pivotal and painful moments of her life — after one of his closest friends was incarcerated. While dealing with her own legal battles, including fighting an attempted case for years, time spent in jail, and months on house arrest, she made a decision: music wouldn’t just be a hobby. It would be her therapy, her escape, and ultimately her investment.
Inspired by her brother’s relentless belief in her and her own self-awareness, Zay realized her talent wasn’t regular — it was rare. Not just musically, but personally. Her character, her resilience, and how she carries herself separate her from the crowd. She describes sound, brand, and style in two words: “Different Type.” In her own words, “IM RARE.”
Influenced by artists like A Boogie wit da Hoodie — not just for the music, but for the authenticity — Zay Boogie moves with a 100% real mentality. It’s not about gimmicks. It’s about presence. Energy. Truth. She believes you have to be around her to fully understand it. The music speaks, but the aura confirms it.
And the numbers are already backing it up.
Every record she’s released has crossed over 10K streams. Her single “Loyalty” reached over 85K views, with multiple releases pushing past the 10K mark or right on the edge. She’s burned down stages, caught the attention of A&Rs and established artists, and steadily built momentum — all while navigating court dates and staying solid for her incarcerated brother, who also manages her.
For Zay, this isn’t just music. It’s strategy.
“Music is 25%. Business is 75%.” That’s the message she stands on. She wants upcoming artists to understand that talent alone isn’t enough — you have to stack your paper, learn the business, and treat your career like an investment.
Currently, Zay Boogie is working on new singles and an upcoming EP, though he’s keeping the title under wraps for now. What fans can expect this year? More visibility. More engagement. More Zay. And of course, more heat.
Looking ahead, she has his sights set on collaborations with Lil Tecca, Tory Lanez, Drake, and of course, A Boogie himself — artists who blend melody, hunger, and star power the way she intends to.
Through adversity, courtrooms, and chaos, Zay Boogie found clarity. The moment she truly heard herself and said, “Yeah… you different,” was the moment everything shifted.
When it’s all said and done, she doesn’t just want to be remembered as a rapper.
she wants to be remembered as a creator — someone who made magic happen.
And if her trajectory continues the way it’s going, Philadelphia won’t be the only place saying her name.
Erielkina Pizarro: Building a Life of Passion, Creativity, and Impact
Naldi – Albanian artist building a global audience
Zay Boogie: Philadelphia’s “Different Type” Rising From Pressure
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
