RESURRECTION UNDER THE OCEAN, 3min., Turkey, Experimental
Directed by Serkan Aktaş
“Resurrection under the Ocean” is about the resurrection of a man who was helplessly sinking to the bottom of the ocean, after falling to the bottom of the ocean, with a symbolic narrative.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

“Making Resurrection under the Ocean was driven by a deep personal and creative desire to explore themes of human resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. The ocean has always been a powerful metaphor for the unknown, for both the depths of the human experience and the mysteries that lie beyond our comprehension. I wanted to create a story that reflected the fragility and strength of life, much like the ocean itself—where vast, powerful forces exist beneath the surface, often unseen.
The inspiration also came from my fascination with the idea of rebirth. In many ways, the ocean represents a kind of infinite possibility, a place where life can be both created and destroyed. This duality resonated with me on a personal level, and I wanted to explore the transformative power of human experience, especially in the face of environmental change and the shifting tides of society.
The film also stems from my love of storytelling that combines both the physical and emotional realms. The underwater setting allowed me to visually convey feelings of isolation and survival, while also diving deep into the psychological effects of confronting the unknown. Ultimately, Resurrection under the Ocean is a reflection on human survival, connection, and renewal, all set against one of the most powerful and mysterious forces in nature.”

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

“It took just three months. The idea came quickly, and we worked with urgency and focus. With a great team and a clear vision, we were able to bring it all together in record time. The tight timeline pushed us to be creative and efficient.”

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

“Resilient and transformative.”

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

“The biggest obstacles were finding the right sea location and working with a low budget. Securing a location that captured the essence of the story was tough, and managing the budget meant we had to be creative with resources. But these challenges only fueled our determination to make the film work.”

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

“Watching the audience react to Resurrection under the Ocean in the feedback video was both humbling and exciting. It was incredible to hear their thoughts and to see how the film connected with them. The feedback was deeply insightful, and I was moved by the emotions it evoked. It reassured me that the story resonated with people, and it reinforced my passion for filmmaking.”

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

“I discovered my talent for writing stories and making films when I was 16. My elder brother and I watched Hokkabaz, a Turkish film, and it was the first movie I saw in a theater. That experience sparked my passion for filmmaking.”

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

“Groundhog Day” (1993). It’s a fantasy film that I find fascinating, and its unique take on time and repetition has always captivated me. It sparked my love for fantasy films and storytelling that explores deeper themes.”

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

“More opportunities for networking with industry professionals and other filmmakers would be invaluable. Workshops and panels on emerging technologies and storytelling techniques would also help me grow as a filmmaker and push my work to new heights.”

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

“My experience with FilmFreeway has been great. The platform is user-friendly, and it made the submission process smooth and efficient. It’s easy to track submissions and connect with festivals, which is incredibly helpful for filmmakers.”

10. What is your favorite meal?

“My favorite meal is Gözleme with mushrooms, a traditional Turkish dish from my hometown of Kastamonu, Turkey. It’s even more special when my mom makes it—it’s a meal full of warmth and great memories.”

11. What is next for you? A new film?

“My next project is Kanlısırt – The Blood Ridge, a feature film I’m writing and directing. The script is already finished. Set during World War I, it tells the story of the intense battle between the Turkish and British armies at Gallipoli. The plot follows a fake war veteran who wronged his brother over inheritance. As his brother is about to die in battle, he must reach him to make things right.”