Derviş Zaim: 'I firmly believe in the value of personal discovery and growth through life's challenges and experiences, much like how a movie unfolds'

The world-renowned Türkiye-based film director Derviş Zaim, in the interview with his student and Daryo correspondent Albina Gimranova, discussed the inspirations behind his filmmaking process. During their meeting in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, which hosts the 15th International Film Festival, Zaim revealed that he draws inspiration from various factors, including real-life situations, characters, concepts, and thought-provoking questions.

I prefer to ask more nuanced questions related to my inclination towards filmmaking. All of these factors have contributed to my creative process.'

Film director Derviş Zaim asserts that this perspective imbues life with greater meaning.

Ultimately, Zaim is drawn to characters who feel trapped but are willing to challenge their constraints and explore the deeper aspects of their existence.

Sometimes, my story takes place in the middle of nowhere, while other times it's in a very explicitly defined location.'

Answering the question regarding the meaning of life, Derviş Zaim noted:

I can not to disclose the meaning of life, even if I possess such knowledge. I firmly believe in the value of personal discovery and growth through life's challenges and experiences, much like the way a movie unfolds. Providing ready-made answers would go against this principle.'

Spain-born Luis Buñuel, particularly famous for the short movie made jointly with Salvador Dalí, 'Un Chien Andalou (An Andalusian Dog), is one of Derviş Zaim's favourite film directors. Besides, in his early years, Zaim found inspiration in movies that explored spiritual and metaphysical themes. He was especially drawn to those with dreamlike visuals and a focus on nature and memory. 

When I was young, I relished viewing movies directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Italian neorealism also served as a source of inspiration for me. Furthermore, I hold in high esteem the creations of select American directors of the 60s and 70s, as well as contemporary indie filmmakers. All of these names occupy a coveted spot on my list of preferred directors.

Derviş Zaim's most recent cinematic work, a documentary titled 'Tavuri' (2023), portrays the life of Mustafa Serttaş, an individual who endured an extended period of imprisonment for theft and fraud. The film delves into the themes of crime, society, and empathy. Throughout the five years, Zaim documents Serttaş's experiences in confronting imprisonment, exploring the possibility of rehabilitation, reconciling with his loved ones, and, eventually, his passing in 2019.

Derviş Zaim and Mustafa Serttaş have been acquainted since childhood, as their families lived in the same neighbourhood.

At the start of the movie, the director pays a visit to his childhood neighbour in prison and is preoccupied with a number of questions, including whether Mustafa  Serttaş can start his life anew.

Born in 1964, Derviş Zaim pursued higher education at Boğaziçi University (Istanbul), where he earned a business degree, and at Warwick University (UK), where he completed an MA in cultural studies. Later, he obtained his Doctor of Arts degree in Cinema from Maltepe University (Istanbul).

Zaim's literary works include two novels, namely, the award-winning 'Ares in Wonderland' (1992) and 'Vision' (2019). He has directed ten fiction films and two documentaries, which have been screened at many national and international festivals and have won several awards.

Zaim's notable filmography includes 'Flashdrive' (2020), 'Dream' (2016), 'Fish' (2014), 'Cycle' (2012), 'Shadows and Faces (2010), 'Dot' (2009), 'Waiting For Heaven' (2006), 'Parallel Trips' (2003) - a documentary co-directed by Zaim, 'Mud' (2003), 'Elephants and Grass' (2000), and 'Somersault In A Coffin' (1996).

In the interview with Daryo correspondent, Derviş Zaim expressed his happiness about attending the cinema fair in Tashkent and interacting with the warm and hospitable locals. Additionally, the film director eagerly anticipates savouring the delectable fruits and veggies, notably the watermelons and grapes he considers the finest in Uzbekistan. Although he has visited various nations, the director regards the produce from Uzbekistan as unparalleled.

The ongoing cinema event in Central Asia's most populous state strives to uphold and strengthen the rich customs of national cinema, foster cultural and educational pursuits in Uzbekistan, establish global cultural ties, and encourage creative collaborations across nations.

Reporter: Albina Gimranova

October 1, 2023

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

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