Armenia, Turkey to co-produce film on Ara Güler

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia and Turkey will collaborate on a joint film about the life of renowned Istanbul-Armenian photographer Ara Güler, according to Turkish media reports.

Titled “Barev” (Hello), the biographical film is described as the first cinematic project between the two nations aimed at overcoming ongoing diplomatic tensions. The agreement, signed at the Marché du Film during the Cannes Film Festival, signals that art can transcend political borders through cultural cooperation.

The film will be co-directed by Ela Alyamac and Aren Perdeci, known for their 2016 film “Lost Birds,” which addressed the Armenian Genocide of 1915, according to Factor.am .

The collaboration was formalized by Turkish company Kara Kedi Film's representative Alyamac and Armenian producer Ani Galstyan from Anso Films.

The directors noted that the screenplay was co-authored with Ara Güler before his death in 2018.

Support for the project comes from Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Directorate of Cinema, and the TRT broadcaster’s 12 Punto platform.

Also involved are the Ara Güler Archive and Research Center and the Ara Güler Museum, both part of the Doğuş Group.

The filmmakers revealed that Güler’s personal camera lenses will be specially refurbished by Panavision for use during filming.

Details about the cast and filming schedule have not yet been officially announced.