Born in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Reha Erdem embarked on his academic journey by pursuing a degree in History at Bogazici University, nestled in the heart of his hometown. His thirst for knowledge and creativity led him to further his studies at the prestigious Cinema Department of Paris 8 University, where he eventually earned his degree.
Not content to stop at a single field of study, Erdem went on to obtain his Master's degree in Plastic Arts from the same esteemed institution. This dual focus on both filmmaking and visual arts would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Erdem's professional career in filmmaking began in 1989 with the release of his first feature-length film, Oh Moon, a French-Turkish co-production that showcased his unique perspective and style. Over the years, he continued to hone his craft, directing a range of films that have garnered critical acclaim and attention.
Some of his most notable works include Run for Money (1999),Mommy, I'm Scared (2004),Times and Winds (2006),My Only Sunshine (2008),and Kosmos (2009). These films, which have been co-produced with a variety of international partners, demonstrate Erdem's ability to collaborate and adapt to different cultural contexts.
In addition to his feature films, Erdem has also explored the realm of short films and has even ventured into the world of theater direction, helming a production of Jean Genet's Maids (Les Bonnes). His latest projects, Jîn (2012) and Singing Women (2013),a Turkish-French-German co-production, further solidify his reputation as a versatile and innovative filmmaker.
Throughout his career, Erdem has written or co-written all of his films, with the notable exception of Mommy, I'm Scared. His dedication to his craft is evident in the attention to detail and emotional depth he brings to each of his projects.
Currently, Erdem is hard at work on two new projects, which promise to continue his tradition of pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual art. With a body of work that spans decades and multiple genres, Reha Erdem has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.
