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Zeki Ökten

Zeki Ökten

Directing

Biography

Born in Istanbul on August 4, 1941, Zeki Ökten began his theatrical studies while attending Haydarpaşa High School. He entered the film industry in 1961 as an assistant director on the film "Acı Zeytin" (Bitter Olive), directed by Nişan Hançer. After directing his first film, "Ölüm Pazarı" (Death Market), in 1963, Ökten returned to assistant work when it didn't achieve the success he expected. For nine years, he worked as an assistant director alongside directors such as Ömer Lütfi Akad, Halit Refiğ, Memduh Ün, and Atıf Yılmaz. Later, he gained attention with "Kadın Yapar" (Woman Does It) in 1972 and "Bir Demet Menekşe" (A Bunch of Violets) in 1973, both with screenplays by Selim İleri. Ökten directed "Askerin Dönüşü" (The Soldier's Return) in 1974, but his greatest success came with the screenplays for Yılmaz Güney's films "Sürü" (The Herd) and "Düşman" (The Enemy), which are now considered masterpieces. With "Sürü" (The Herd), he won 11 international awards, including Best Film at the 1979 Locarno Film Festival and the 1980 Antwerp Film Festival. He made films addressing social issues with comedies such as "Hanzo" (1975), starring Kemal Sunal, "Çöpçüler Kralı" (The King of Garbage Collectors) (1976), and "Fazie Hücum" (1982), starring Genco Erkal. He won the Best Director award at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival for "Kapıcılar Kralı" (The King of Doormen) and "Faize Hücum," while "Pehlivan" (The Wrestler) (1984), starring Tarık Akan, won numerous international awards, as well as the "Outstanding Achievement Award" at the Istanbul Film Festival. After directing "Ses" (The Voice) in 1986, Ökten took a break from filmmaking following "Düttürü Dünya" (The World of Words) in 1988. The assistant director for this film was Zeki Demirkubuz, a director who has won numerous awards for his films. After an 11-year hiatus, he returned to cinema in 1999 with "Güle Güle" (Goodbye), featuring prominent actors such as Metin Akpınar, Zeki Alasya, Yıldız Kenter, and Eşref Koçak. The film, watched by one million people in cinemas, won the Best Film award at the Golden Orange Film Festival. In 2003, Ökten directed "Gülüm" (My Darling), starring Tarık Akan and Okan Bayülgen, followed by "Çinliler Geliyor" (The Chinese Are Coming) in 2006. He was married to actress Güler Ökten. The director passed away on Saturday, December 19th, at the American Hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Known For

The Wrestler
5.8

With good guidance from director Zeki Okten but an uninspired script, this story of a brother and his Turkish family influenced by old and new traditions is somewhat uneven. Bilal (Tarik Akan) is devoted to the art of wrestling, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both champions at the sport. Aside from his interest in wrestling for its own sake, Bilal has a chance to win a provincial wrestling contest and thereby bring home a considerable cash award for his efforts -- and so his days are spent in training for the event. Meanwhile, his brother and sister-in-law and their daughter have come back home after living in Germany for 12 years and are finding the adjustment to their cultural roots a bumpy ride. As long scenes of well-oiled and slippery wrestlers in action prepare viewers for Bilal's big event, the struggle of these men is reminiscent of the struggle of Bilal's family to come to grips with a world they may not be able to accept unconditionally.

The Wrestler

1984Movie
Güle Güle
7.1

Car mechanic Şemsi separated from his wife years ago and lives alone, far away from his only child. Celal is a disciplined retired colonel married to Zarife. İsmet is an introverted film buff who has spent his life on the island, while Galip is a faithful platonic lover who has lived a strange "love" with Rosa, a Cuban woman he saw only once, and has never betrayed this woman with whom he has been corresponding for years. Unable to afford to go to Cuba or bring Rosa there, Galip falls ill and learns he has cancer. His friends do everything they can to make him happy before he dies, even putting their homes up for sale. But when the money still isn't enough, there's only one thing left to do: To obtain the money needed to send Galip to Cuba, they decide to rob five charming elderly bankers!

Güle Güle

2000Movie