'1001 Istanbuls in my binoculars' begins

A new project in Istanbul is working to show that anyone can be a director. Spearheaded by filmmaker Isil Ozgenturk, "1001 Istanbuls in My Binoculars" aims to create a 90-minute movie on the city by combining 10 short films by both professional and amateur directors. Supported by the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency, the project was launched at a press conference on Monday. Director and scriptwriter Ozgenturk told reporters the project has been in the works for years, with the slogan "Anyone can make a movie." As part of the project, both amateurs and professionals will shoot 10 short films featuring Istanbul; later, a 90-minute anthology of the shorts will be produced. Noting that Pecs, Hungary and Essen, Germany are sharing the 2010 European Capital of Culture title with Istanbul, Ozgenturk said one of the 10 films was made by Hungarian director Gabor Ferenczi while another would be made by a German director. The final 90-minute film will be dedicated to Turkish director Zeki Okten, who died this past week, she added. Along with the two professional directors, the films in the project will be made by students at the Isil Ozgenturk Workshop. After the movie premieres next June at Yeditepe University, it will be shown at coffeehouses, municipal and consular cultural centers, and other venues.