by Hiwa Salah and Dler Teli
Shukran Akta is an actress from north Kurdistan. Her most recent film is ‘A Difficult Decision.’ At this year’s International Antalya Film Festival, she won an award for being the best young actress. The event was previously called the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival.
Rudaw: Does the film reflect problems facing women in Bakur (northern Kurdistan)?
Shukran Akta: Many films reflect problems which women in Bakur face. And this has brought these problems to the spotlight. Kurdish women want to show their sorrows and agony through art.
Why don’t women make films by themselves?
Because women are mostly viewed as people who have to raise children and tend to the household. Women have not been given an opportunity to reach their full potential. They will do very well if assisted.
If you have women directors and producers, can they compete with male directors and producers?
Yes, they can produce very good films.
You first came to the Kurdistan Region to attend Duhok’s film festival. How was it?
Yes, it was my first time visiting the Kurdistan Region. I am very happy that I came to the Kurdistan Region, my country. I am proud to have taken part in Duhok’s film festival. They received us very warmly.
You played a main role in the film ‘A Difficult Decision’ which won an award. What is the story of the film?
The film is about a girl in Jolamerg who wants to do cosmetic surgery on her nose. But she is tortured by her father and brother. She can’t realize her dream. They want to force her to marry someone. This is how the story starts. Many social problems are shown in the film.
How is the situation of women artists in Bakur?
The situation is improved and I hope it gets even better. I hope more freedoms are given to women. Kurdish films in Turkey are facing too many difficulties due to the political situation. We cannot produce Kurdish films the way we want. It is unlike southern Kurdistan which has very many freedoms.
Is there any difference between female Kurdish and Turkish actresses in Turkey?
Yes, there is a big difference. In Turkey, we have two problems. First, we cannot play roles in Kurdish films freely. Second, they won’t allow us to play roles in Turkish films. They prefer to have European-like faces with blonde hair, a white complexion and blue eyes to play roles in them.
What is the difference between Turkey’s film festivals and Duhok’s?
I have taken part in some festivals in Turkey. Unfortunately, they don’t allow Kurdish films to be screened as much. There is a big difference between the two. Kurdistan pays more attention to Kurdish films and people like them. But this is not the case with Turkey.
You study cinema and theatre at university. What do you think of the level of Kurdish cinema?
I think Kurdish cinema has progressed well. They have very beautiful and simple ideas for films which help the cinema industry develop. I hope cinema progresses more in Kurdistan.
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