Ahmet Sesigurgil, GYD, a renowned cinematographer from Turkey, traces his passion for film back to a transformative experience during his high school years. His journey began in the most unexpected place—the darkroom of a popular newspaper in Ankara. As Sesigurgil recounts, the first time he printed a black-and-white photograph, his life changed forever. The moment the image began to appear on the paper in the darkroom, he realized the power of creation, an experience he describes as “the God moment.”
Growing up in Ankara, Sesigurgil found himself captivated by the process of photography. Encouraged by his best friend’s father, who worked at the newspaper, he was introduced to the world of black-and-white photography. The hands-on experience of developing his first print left a lasting impression on him. “Your first print is your best print ever,” he recalls, emphasizing the immediacy and physicality of the darkroom process compared to digital technology. This early encounter ignited a lifelong passion that would steer his career toward cinematography.
During his high school years, Sesigurgil immersed himself in photography, often neglecting his studies as his hobby grew into an obsession. His early interest in writing, particularly inspired by authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz, also played a role in shaping his creative outlook. However, it was photography that consumed him, eventually leading him to pursue filmmaking.
Sesigurgil’s early forays into filmmaking were supported by government programs in Turkey, which at the time had robust systems in place to nurture young filmmakers. This support allowed him to experiment with short films, further deepening his understanding of the visual arts.
In his early twenties, Sesigurgil made a pivotal decision to move to New York, driven by his desire to create science fiction films—a genre he believed would be more successful in English than in Turkish. His move to New York marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where he found himself in the midst of a thriving independent film scene. Despite being “fresh off the boat,” as he puts it, Sesigurgil quickly made a name for himself, working on independent films with budgets as high as $5 million. His experiences in New York served as his informal film school, where he learned the intricacies of filmmaking through hands-on work and keen observation.
One of the most defining moments in Sesigurgil’s career came during his time as a boom operator on various film sets. While listening in on conversations between directors and camera crews, he had an epiphany. He realized that the life of a director, which he had once aspired to, was not as glamorous as he had imagined. Instead, he found himself drawn to the work of the cinematographers, those who were responsible for capturing the visual essence of the films. This realization set him on the path to becoming a cinematographer.
Sesigurgil’s journey eventually led him back to Turkey, where he leveraged his New York experience to establish himself as a sought-after cinematographer in the Turkish film industry. His unique background—a blend of technical expertise inherited from his father, a mechanical engineer, and a deep appreciation for literature and photography—allowed him to bridge the gap between the technical and the artistic aspects of filmmaking.
Ahmet Sesigurgil shares a pivotal moment in his early career that exemplifies his approach to filmmaking. While working on The Humbling, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Al Pacino and Greta Gerwig, Ahmet found himself in a room full of experienced professionals, unsure of how to shoot a complex scene. Suddenly, Levinson, a filmmaker known for his meticulous attention to detail, turned to Ahmet, then a young camera operator in his 20s, and asked, “How would you shoot this scene, kid?”
Ahmet, prepared and confident, described exactly how he would capture the moment, focusing on revealing the emotional intention of the characters. To his surprise, Levinson was impressed and decided to shoot the scene according to Ahmet’s vision. “That was my career break,” Ahmet recalls. “I knew then that I had to believe in this philosophy—understanding the emotion behind a scene and letting it guide every decision.”
This moment not only launched Ahmet’s career but also reinforced his collaborative approach to working with his crew. He ensures that everyone on set understands the emotional core of a scene, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and every technical choice serves the story’s heart. He is known for involving his crew in discussions, valuing their input, and ensuring that everyone understands the emotional direction of the project. This collaborative atmosphere not only brings out the best in his team but also ensures that every frame contributes to the storytelling in a meaningful way.
After spending 16 years in New York, Sesigurgil returned to Turkey, a move influenced by both personal and professional reasons. His return was timely, as the demand for his skills in Turkey was high. He quickly transitioned from working on low-budget independent films in New York to shooting high-end commercials in Turkey, capitalizing on his international experience and expertise.
Sesigurgil considers his series The Club and his film Triangle with Four Corners as key highlights in his body of work, demonstrating his ability to blend technical prowess with deep emotional storytelling. His upcoming projects highlight the significant role he plays in Turkish cinema. He is currently preparing for one of the largest-scale productions in Turkey—a Netflix series adaptation of Orhan Pamuk’s Nobel Prize-winning novel Museum of Innocence. Pamuk, known for his reluctance to allow his literature to be adapted, entrusted the project to Ahmet and Zeynep Günay, the director of The Club after being impressed by their work. Before diving into this monumental task, Ahmet will collaborate with acclaimed director Emin Alper on an independent film, further showcasing his versatility and dedication to the craft.
Ahmet Sesigurgil’s career is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the transformative impact of early experiences. From the darkroom in Ankara to film sets around the world, Sesigurgil’s journey reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence in cinematography. Today, he is also a mentor to the next generation of filmmakers, dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, illustrating that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, one can create a lasting impact in the world of cinema.
