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/
Entertainment
Dual Diagnosis Returns With Dark New Anthem “You Eva Have” Featuring Danny Diablo — Out May 22, 2026
Underground horrorcore artists Dual Diagnosis are preparing to make a powerful statement with their upcoming single “You Eva Have” featuring hardcore legend Danny Diablo, officially releasing worldwide on May 22, 2026. Combining dark storytelling, cinematic production, and emotionally charged performances, the record promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of underground rap and hardcore music alike.
Known for their aggressive sound and disturbing visual style, Dual Diagnosis has continued building a reputation for music that explores pain, trauma, mental instability, and inner conflict. Their latest release dives even deeper into those themes, creating a haunting atmosphere filled with chaos, anger, and raw emotion. “You Eva Have” showcases the duo’s ability to blend horror-inspired imagery with authentic lyrical intensity, producing a track that feels both cinematic and brutally personal.
The addition of Danny Diablo brings another level of energy and authenticity to the record. Widely respected in hardcore and underground music culture, Diablo’s signature delivery perfectly complements the dark tone of the song. Together, the artists create a relentless collaboration driven by powerful emotion, heavy production, and unapologetic aggression.
The single’s artwork visually captures the terrifying mood of the release, featuring an asylum-inspired nightmare scene that reflects psychological breakdown and emotional torment. The imagery reinforces Dual Diagnosis’ unique artistic identity while creating a visual world that matches the intensity of the music itself.
As anticipation continues to rise leading into the release date, “You Eva Have” is already gaining attention among fans of horrorcore, hardcore, and underground hip-hop communities. The song represents another major step forward for Dual Diagnosis as they continue carving their own lane in dark underground music culture.
“You Eva Have” featuring Danny Diablo will be available on all major digital streaming platforms beginning May 22, 2026.
Stream the album and follow the movement:
In an era where authenticity in hip-hop is becoming harder to find, Azazel The Marine is emerging as one of the most compelling independent voices in the culture. A former United States Marine turned recording artist, Azazel is building his name through raw storytelling, emotional honesty, and relentless dedication to his craft. His music doesn’t come from manufactured industry formulas—it comes from lived experience.
Born in Trinidad and raised in New York City, Azazel The Marine represents a different kind of artist. His records are shaped by military service, personal struggle, PTSD, resilience, and survival. Instead of hiding those realities, he turns them into music that feels cinematic, personal, and deeply relatable.
What separates Azazel from many rising artists is the combination of discipline and vulnerability. The same mentality that carried him through military service now fuels his independent music grind. His lyrics speak openly about trauma, freedom, pressure, perseverance, and purpose. Whether he’s delivering aggressive bars or reflective storytelling, there’s a level of sincerity in his music that immediately stands out.
That authenticity has begun translating into real momentum. Azazel The Marine has continued expanding his audience across streaming platforms, building a growing fanbase on Spotify and social media while independently releasing projects that reflect both his life experience and artistic evolution. His catalog includes releases such as War Money, the Smoke EP series, One People, and the recent single It’s Going Down.
The visual identity surrounding his music also plays a major role in his rise. His artwork and branding blend futuristic aesthetics, military influence, street culture, and cinematic energy into a recognizable signature style. The cover art for “It’s Going Down” captures that perfectly—mixing neon cityscapes, fast-paced visuals, and high-energy imagery that mirrors the intensity of his music and mindset.
But beyond the visuals and streaming numbers, Azazel’s biggest strength remains his message.
Tracks like “One People” showcase an artist willing to speak on unity, struggle, systemic pressure, mental battles, and personal freedom while still keeping his music engaging and replayable. Industry attention surrounding the record has reportedly highlighted both its commercial potential and its emotional depth. The song’s repetitive hooks and chant-like structure create an anthem-driven energy while maintaining deeply personal themes underneath the surface.
That balance between accessibility and substance is becoming increasingly rare in modern hip-hop. Azazel’s growing recognition has also led to increased media coverage and online visibility. Publications have described him as an artist who transforms pain into purpose while carving out his own lane through “raw storytelling, real-life experience, and relentless grind.”
One of the most anticipated developments in his career is the upcoming album No Sleep, a project that already carries strong buzz among his supporters. The title itself reflects the nonstop work ethic behind his movement—the hunger, sacrifice, sleepless nights, and independent hustle required to survive in today’s music industry. According to recent coverage, the project is expected to push his sound even further while continuing to focus on themes of survival, discipline, mental health, and ambition.
Outside of music, Azazel The Marine has also built a reputation for perseverance and adaptability. From performing in Austin during SXSW events to continuing to grow his digital presence independently, he embodies the modern independent artist mentality: self-made, self-driven, and unwilling to wait for permission.
His story resonates because it’s real.
In a music landscape often dominated by trends and algorithms, Azazel The Marine represents something different—a voice forged through hardship, sharpened through discipline, and elevated through creative expression. He isn’t trying to imitate anyone else’s blueprint. He’s building his own legacy one release at a time.
And with No Sleep on the horizon, it’s clear that Azazel The Marine is only getting started.
Follow the movement:
There’s a certain kind of artist you don’t just hear — you feel
The kind that doesn’t need to exaggerate pain, because it’s already written into their voice. The kind that doesn’t chase moments, because they’ve lived enough of them to create their own. That’s where CertifiedStunna exists — somewhere between scars and ambition, between silence and melody.
Before the name, before the sound, there was Austin Scott.
And before the music, there was Utica.
WHERE IT STARTED
Utica isn’t the type of place that waits for you to figure life out slowly. It introduces you to reality early. Pressure, struggle, emotion — all of it comes fast, and it sticks. For Austin, growing up there wasn’t just a phase — it was a foundation.
You learn how to read people. You learn how to move smart. And most importantly, you learn how to feel everything deeply, even when you don’t say it out loud.
That silence eventually needed somewhere to go.
WHEN MUSIC STOPPED BEING JUST MUSIC
At first, it wasn’t about a career. It wasn’t about streams, placements, or attention.
It was survival.
Music became a place to unload everything that couldn’t be explained in conversation. The thoughts you keep to yourself. The weight you carry when nobody’s watching. The nights that feel longer than they should.
That’s when Austin realized something real:
This wasn’t just something he liked.
This was something he needed.
And that’s when CertifiedStunna was born — not as an alias, but as a version of himself that could speak freely.
“Certified” because nothing is fabricated.
“Stunna” because even through it all, there’s elevation — a presence you can’t ignore.
THE SOUND: PAIN WITH PURPOSE
If you listen close, you’ll hear it immediately.
The influence is there — the emotional vulnerability of artists like Juice WRLD, the melodic confidence of Tory Lanez, the relatable storytelling of A Boogie wit da Hoodie — but none of it feels copied.
Because it isn’t.
CertifiedStunna’s sound sits in that space where melody meets truth. It’s introspective, sometimes dark, but never empty. Every record feels like a page torn from real life — not polished for perfection, but left raw on purpose.
His process reflects that.
It starts with a beat…
Then a feeling…
Then a moment.
No overthinking. No forcing it. Just honesty in real time.
LEAVING, BUT NOT FORGETTING
Now based in North Carolina, there’s distance from where it all started — but not detachment.
That shift brought balance.
A clearer mind. A bigger perspective. A chance to move smarter, not just harder.
But Utica is still in the music. Still in the tone. Still in the way certain words hit heavier than others.
You don’t outgrow where you came from — you carry it differently.
THE FIGHT NOBODY SEES
There’s a version of the artist journey people don’t talk about.
No co-signs.
No instant spotlight.
No major hub backing you.
Just you… and belief.
Consistency becomes a battle. Doubt creeps in quietly. Progress feels slow when nobody’s watching.
But that’s where CertifiedStunna built his foundation — in the unseen work.
Staying locked in when it’s quiet.
Trusting the process when it’s unclear.
Creating anyway.
That’s the part that makes it real.
THE TURNING POINT
The biggest moment wasn’t a show.
Wasn’t a placement.
Wasn’t a viral clip.
It was internal.
The realization that music was actually helping him — mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
That changed everything.
It gave the journey purpose.
Because now it wasn’t just about making songs…
It was about making something that could reach someone else the same way.
MORE THAN MUSIC
CertifiedStunna isn’t selling an image.
He’s building connection.
Every record is rooted in something real — pain, growth, reflection, survival. And that honesty creates something a lot of artists spend years chasing:
Trust.
Listeners don’t just hear the music — they relate-to it.
And in a world full of noise, that kind of connection stands out.
WHAT’S NEXT
Right now, it’s about building.
Catalog.
Consistency.
Presence.
New music. Visuals. Expanding reach.
No shortcuts — just stacking moments the right way.
Because this isn’t about a quick run.
It’s about longevity.
THE MESSAGE
At the core of everything, the goal is simple:
Make people feel understood.
If someone hears a song and realizes they’re not alone in what they’re going through — that’s bigger than numbers.
That’s impact.
FINAL WORD
CertifiedStunna is still in the early chapters.
But the foundation is already there — authenticity, discipline, and a story that doesn’t need to be exaggerated to be powerful.
From Utica to North Carolina…
From silence to sound…
From survival to expression…
This isn’t just music.
This is real life — translated into something you can feel.
And this is only the beginning.
Dual Diagnosis Returns With Dark New Anthem “You Eva Have” Featuring Danny Diablo — Out May 22, 2026
Azazel The Marine: The Voice of Survival, Truth, and Independent Hustle
CERTIFIEDSTUNNA: The Sound of Survival, The Feeling of Healing
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
