I am Ersin Özel, a director known for my strong visual storytelling and narrative techniques. My journey into filmmaking began with a background in journalism, which later expanded into directing documentaries, short films, commercials, and international projects. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in different aspects of visual storytelling, shaping my distinctive cinematic approach.

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Born in Van, I earned a bachelor's university degree in Public Administration and Economics. I also briefly studied law at the same university but chose not to continue due to my professional commitments. My passion for visual storytelling led me to the television industry at an early age. At just 16, I started working as a news reporter, and one of the defining moments of my early career was covering a plane crash in Van. As the first journalist to reach the crash site, I navigated nearly two meters of snow in a mountainous area to capture the first footage of the accident. Those images were among the first to be broadcast worldwide, earning me recognition and an award from the Van Governor upon the recommendation of the General Directorate of Press and Information.

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These experiences deeply influenced my cinematic perspective and steered me toward documentary and narrative filmmaking. In 2007, I directed my first short film, My Love, Life (Sevgilim Hayat), with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Van Office, marking the beginning of my film career.

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From 2008 onwards, I focused on my professional directing career, working on both local and international productions in various capacities as a director and supervisor. I also made a name for myself in the advertising industry, directing numerous high-profile commercial projects. One of my most admired works was a creative commercial film set in the 1400s, featuring a young student holding a tablet computer while meeting an Ottoman sultan. The commercial humorously depicted the sultan’s astonishment as he learned about the device. This film became one of the most widely discussed commercials of its time and was broadcast on TV news programs for an entire week, setting a record in media exposure. The concept later inspired a major GSM operator’s commercial campaign. In addition to directing, I have written numerous scripts and directed several other notable commercials.

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In 2013, I served as the general director of all films for the World Peace Orchestra project, held at New York’s Lincoln Center, with an audience of 3,000 guests. The project, which began with an opening speech by renowned actor Kevin Spacey, received significant international attention. I also directed a fully animated corporate film for the European Organization for Quality (EOQ), demonstrating my expertise in corporate storytelling.

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Beyond commercial and narrative filmmaking, I have made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking. I directed the first episode of Living Legends of Anatolia (Anadolu’nun Yaşayan Efsaneleri), a documentary series produced for BEIN Sports, focusing on the life and legacy of İlhan Cavcav, a legendary figure in Turkish football history. My deep interest in football also led me to serve two terms as a Board Member responsible for New Projects at the historic Turkish football club Gençlerbirliği SK.

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Additionally, I am a licensed Taekwondo athlete, which has played a significant role in shaping my approach to directing action and dynamic sequences. The discipline and strategic thinking required in martial arts have deeply influenced my filmmaking perspective.

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Today, I continue my career as a director in both Germany and Turkey, actively participating in international projects. With a commitment to innovation in storytelling, I strive to create impactful works that leave a lasting impression in both fiction and documentary cinema.