3 awards in a row for 'Smyrna's Pit'

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Begüm Aksoy, graduate of Department of Cinema and Digital Media, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), received the special jury award at the 22^nd International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival with her work titled ‘Smirna’nın Çukuru’ (Smyrna's Pit). Aksoy, who scripted the 13-minute documentary about Basmane region, was selected among many ambitious documentaries and achieved success. The documentary, which had previously won awards at the ‘Kısa Kısa Kemeraltı Film Competition’ and the "Rotary International Short Film Festival (Rofife)," was thus awarded for the third time in a year.

Begüm Aksoy (24), who graduated from IUE Department of Cinema and Digital Media, Faculty of Communication last year, completed her documentary ‘Smyrna's Pit’ in about 6 months. Conveying the historical aspects of Basmane, Aksoy interviewed 4 people who know the region very well. By making an architect, writer, academic and an association representative speak in her documentary, Aksoy made a difference with her extraordinary work, revealing special information about Basmane.

'CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PRESERVATION' THEMED

Participating in the International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival, which is regarded as one of the most prestigious competitions in the field of documentary and held with the theme of "cultural heritage and preservation" this year, IUE graduate Aksoy brought the award to Izmir. Aksoy received her award at the ceremony held at the Leyla Dizdar Cultural Center in the Safranbolu, Karabük.

I WORKED DAY AND NIGHT

Stating that she will also work on new documentaries about different regions of Izmir, Aksoy said, “Producing projects that bring history to light excites me. I put a lot of effort into the documentary about the Basmane region. I visited the region and decided which points I should highlight. I have carefully chosen the locations of the region to shoot. It's a 13-minute documentary, but it takes a lot of time to prepare, edit and shoot. There were many times that I worked late at night. I feel very proud that my documentary, which I doted on, received awards in a row. When I went on stage to receive my award, I forgot everything; I experienced joy, happiness, and excitement to the fullest. I am confident, I love the film industry. I aim to work on new projects in this field.”