Pelin Esmer is a remarkably versatile artist who has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim in both the realms of fiction and documentary filmmaking. Having initially studied sociology, Esmer's intellectual curiosity and creative inclinations led her to pivot towards the captivating world of cinema, ultimately culminating in the establishment of her own independent film production company, Sinefilm.
Pelin, a multifaceted filmmaker, has had the privilege of working alongside a talented group of producer friends, including Nida Karabol, Tolga Esmer, and Dilde Mahalli, to bring a wide range of cinematic projects to life.
One of her most notable accomplishments is her feature documentary, The Play, which made its world premiere at the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival. Since then, it has been showcased at an impressive 50-plus film festivals around the globe, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim.
The Play's impressive festival run has been marked by numerous awards and accolades, including the esteemed "Best New Documentary Filmmaker Award" at the Tribeca Film Festival. This recognition serves as a testament to Pelin's skill and dedication as a documentary filmmaker.
Pelin's literary endeavors have garnered considerable attention, with her cinematic production, "10 to 11", being handpicked as one of the six select projects by the prestigious Cannes Film Festival's Résidence du Cinéfondation in the City of Light, Paris. This notable achievement has led to widespread acclaim, with the film garnering numerous accolades at various festivals and subsequently being released in cinemas across Turkey, France, and Germany.
Subsequent to the production of her initial fiction film, Watchtower, made its highly anticipated premiere at two prestigious international film festivals, specifically the Toronto Film Festival and the Rotterdam Film Festival, garnering significant attention and acclaim from the global cinematic community.
In the years that followed, Watchtower went on to be showcased in numerous countries worldwide, including the United States, as part of the esteemed Caravanserai Program, a notable initiative that aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange through the medium of film.
Pelin's documentary film, a cinematic masterpiece, took home the prestigious best screenplay award at the esteemed Tallinn International Film Festival, a testament to her exceptional storytelling abilities. In addition to this impressive accolade, Pelin's film received numerous accolades at the FIPRESCI awards in Turkey, with recognition for her outstanding direction, screenplay, and the captivating performance of the lead actress.
Pelin was extended an invitation to participate in the DAAD Artists-in-Residence Program in Berlin during the year 2018.
Within this prestigious program, Pelin had the opportunity to focus on the development of her documentary film, Queen Lear.
Pelin has additionally held the esteemed position of guest artist at the renowned Camargo Foundation's residence in the picturesque town of Cassis, France, where she devoted her time and creative energies to developing a brand new and innovative project between the months of September and November in the year 2019.
