AMIRATA JOOLAEE (INSTRUCTOR) - IRAN
With utmost respect here is what I was supposed to write for cinema summer school in Istanbul held by Yunus Emre Institusu in cooperation with Sehir university.
You gave us a chance to come to your country and made it part of our beings. It was out of generosity and kindness and friendship. You let us meet wonderful people from all around the world,visit one of the most beautiful cities made by man,go to different places which were of importance for your cinema industry,meet dignified people who had worked for decades in Turkish prestigious films,and try your delicious foods. You really tried so people feel comfortable.
We won`t forget Turkey as a great part of our memories. Such a great experience it was for every single one of us to have each other for the rest of our lives. The energy built up by all of us will stay in the universe and never ends,so as you see it is an everlasting story. In general,Turkey deserve it.
All the best for you people and your country.
AMALIA POPA (ACTRESS AND FILM EDITOR) – ROMANIA
We met famous actors and directors in Turkey. We’ve met film makers from all over the world and get the chance to work with them. We travelled all around Istanbul and Gaziantep where we tasted one of the most appetizing and rich cuisine of the world. We have a lot of fun! I am very thankful to YEE and to the entire team that organised the TCSS for being so kind to us. I’m looking forward to come here again.
FATIMA MOUHAMMOU (DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER) - MOROCCO
YEE give me a big important and a wonderful experience in this programme which is like a dream. My first Turkish movie I watched was Yol of Turkish director Yılmaz Güney. I had a lot of information about Turkish culture thanks to YEE in Morocco. I totally agree with Napoleon saying, “If the world was only one country, Istanbul would be its capital!” Turkish people is very kind and well organized. They try to keep the places clean. I wish to make a documentary about this wonderful country.
HILAL DURAL (FILMMAKER CANDIDATE) - FRANCE
The programme gave us the opportunity to discover Turkish cinema in its real place.
HLABANGANI MTSHALI (WRITER AND SCHOLAR) - SOUTH AFRICA
The TCSS is a good way for film filmmakers to compare how film industry works in other parts of the world. The Yunus Emre Institute knows how to execute public diplomacy strategy. Based on my experience with some people from the Middle Eastern, Europe and from history, I thought Turkish people would not be tolerant of a black African person. I was completely wrong. The people were friendly and kind and generous and welcoming.
LEYLA AHADI (DIRECTOR-PHOTOGRAPHER) - IRAN
Turkey is a country which pays a great attention to art and especially to human relationships. We were from 20 various countries and formed a friendly family. We forgot boundaries in this new family feeling like our own home is in Turkey. We discovered Turkey's cinema, history and culture. We learned a lot from great professors. In fact breaking down the geographical boundaries YEE gave us the opportunity of a great experience that will play a crucial role in our professional progress.
MOHAMED ELSAYED ABDALLA (PHOTOGRAPHER AND PHOTOJOURNALIST) - EGYPT
You learn new things from new people coming from other countries. I love Turkish cinema, Kemal Sunal and Adile Naşit is among my favourite Turkish actors and actresses. Hababam Sınıfı, Süt Kardeşler and Tosun Paşa are among my favourite movies.
MOHAMED ESKANDARANI (CAMERAMAN AND VIDEO EDITOR) - LEBANON
TCSS is one of the greatest programs that could ever happen to filmmaker student or worker. YEE is one of the most prestigious institutes, they have been so generous to us, Turkish culture is one of the oldest cultures. Turkish people are so generous and welcoming. And Turkey is a very developed country, where you can live comfortably and safe. Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities you will feel like you don't want to ever leave it.
ŞÖVKET MAHARRAMOVA (DIRECTOR) - AZERBAIJAN
TCSS which is very successful gave us the opportunity to meet important movie makers and learn their experience. Turkish people are so welcoming. I learned some Turkish meals in the workshop in Gaziantep. I knew about Turkey before coming here but after seeing Turkey I have down on Turkey. I want to come Turkey to study and work here at the first chance I get.
TARA TUNG (FILM EDITOR) - USA
I learned about the history and culture of Turkey. Turkey with everything from airfare to accommodation fully covered! It was a dream come true! Turkish people are so friendly and I love the culture of how people bond over tea and coffee after every single meal. One of the things that I love most about Istanbul is the beautiful scenery. Prior to coming to Istanbul, I had no idea how modern it was. I would absolutely love to come back to Turkey for study or work. My dream is becoming director.
TINA SMALCELJ (SCRIPTWRITER AND TEACHING ASSISTANT) – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Meeting new people, networking and learning about different cultures has enormous benefits for every person. TCSS did more than that and gave us the chance to do it while learning from some very interesting scholars, discussing the situation both in Turkish cinema and cinemas of our respective countries. They garnished it all with trips to interesting places, even to Gaziantep where we could see how old and often forgotten Turkey looks like in modern times.
TIHA K. GUDAC (DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER) - CROATIA
TCSS has enamelled me to visit Turkey and experience Turkey for the first time. YEE is intensively involved with promoting Turkish culture internationally and for me up to now Turkish cinema was the best ambassador of Turkey abroad. I hope to come back and spend more time learning about our common history.
