Meet Reyhan Esen | Film Producer, Director, and Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reyhan Esen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reyhan, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The most important values for me are honesty and sincerity. In both my personal life and professional career, telling the truth, being genuine, and staying at peace with myself allow me to trust that I am on the right path. In my view, art only becomes meaningful when it connects deeply with a person’s inner truth. As an artist, if I don’t confront my own truths and emotions, the work I create will lack authenticity and impact.

Another guiding principle for me is social responsibility. I firmly believe that art holds the power to positively influence society. For this reason, I feel a strong sense of duty in every project I undertake to inspire people, provoke thought, and illuminate social issues. I think one of the most significant roles of cinema and art is to shape society and raise awareness. Social responsibility not only drives me to contribute to the world around me but also pushes me to grow and evolve as an individual.

Equally important to me are creativity and freedom. Art provides a limitless form of expression, and this freedom is essential for presenting both myself and my projects in the best way possible. While it’s important to consider societal expectations and industry norms, I believe artistic freedom is the foundation for creating truly original and innovative work.

Finally, I adhere to the belief that success comes not from waiting for luck but from creating one’s own opportunities. This principle guides me in both my personal and professional life. Relying solely on external factors or chance is not enough; one must actively carve out their path. Creating one’s own luck involves consistent effort and a proactive approach to generating opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear.

These values and principles are the foundation of both my personal and professional life. They guide me daily in my journey to become a better, more authentic, and more impactful artist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artistic journey began at a very young age and has since become the core focus of my life. From childhood, I immersed myself in art, exploring various forms of expression such as painting, theatre, cinema, and music. Over time, I developed a profound connection with film and the performing arts, creating my own projects and shaping my unique artistic identity. What distinguishes me is my perspective on art—not merely as a means of self-expression but as a powerful tool for driving social change. To me, art is fundamentally an act of “seeing” and “hearing,” though not limited to a physical sense. Instead, it encompasses an inner vision and understanding. Art is a quest for meaning, born out of the artist’s effort to comprehend themselves, their surroundings, society, and universal values. Thus, I believe art transcends aesthetic beauty; it is a medium for questioning existence, conveying emotions, and fostering a desire to reshape the world.

The project I am most proud of is my first short film, Mİ-YAV. This project was an invaluable learning experience, offering me insight into every stage of the film production process. The film’s premise is as follows: For an unknown reason, all gender norms are suddenly reversed, sparking a radical transformation in societal dynamics. The frightening experiences often endured by women now become the reality for men. However, despite the reversal of roles, society’s attitude towards injustice remains unchanged. Even in a different reality with reversed roles, the outcomes remain the same. Here, the protectors are no longer humans but animals, who raise their voices to safeguard the vulnerable.

While working on Mİ-YAV, I challenged the boundaries of my creativity and was honored to receive significant recognition, with the film being featured at numerous festivals. These include the Seoul Metro International Subway Film Festival (SMIFF), Lift-Off Global Network First-Time Filmmaker Sessions, Lift-Off Global Network Filmmaker Sessions – hosted by Lift-Off Global Network, First-time Filmmaker Sessions – Hosted by @Lift-Off Global Network. Each challenge I encountered during this journey strengthened my resolve and propelled my growth as an artist.

Professionally, I am proud of where I stand today and optimistic about the artist I am becoming. However, I will never claim, “I am enough,” because I firmly believe in lifelong learning. Establishing oneself in the art world is a challenging path, often fraught with financial and emotional obstacles. Yet, these barriers have pushed me to find creative solutions and have taught me invaluable lessons at every stage. Through it all, my unwavering passion for art and my commitment to inspiring others have been my guiding forces. I have learned to persevere in the face of adversity, to seize new opportunities, and most importantly, to find and refine my voice. As an artist, my ultimate goal is to amplify my voice on a global scale, inspiring others to view events and situations through new and transformative perspectives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit Halifax for a week, I would curate an unforgettable itinerary to ensure she experiences the best of the city. On the first day, we would begin by exploring the Halifax Waterfront, taking in the scenic views of the harbour as we stroll through the bustling area. Afterward, we would enjoy a delightful dinner at The Bicycle Thief, immersing ourselves in the unique atmosphere of Halifax’s culinary scene.

On the second day, we would visit the Halifax Citadel, offering panoramic views of the city from a historical vantage point. From there, we would continue our exploration with a visit to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, where we could dive into the province’s rich art scene and discover its artistic culture. The following day, we would venture to the iconic Peggy’s Cove, soaking in the breathtaking coastal views, before unwinding with a peaceful walk through the Halifax Public Gardens, surrounded by the beauty of nature. We would also take the opportunity to visit Café Cempoal, a charming Mexican restaurant owned by my friend Jimena’s family, to indulge in authentic Mexican flavours.

Next, we would embark on a boat tour of Halifax Harbour, offering a unique perspective of the city from the water. Following the tour, we would take a leisurely stroll through Point Pleasant Park, a serene green space where we could relax and enjoy nature. To experience the vibrant energy of the city, we would spend some time shopping along Spring Garden Road in the city centre. If our visit coincided with a local festival, we would seize the chance to attend exciting events such as the Halifax Pop Explosion or the Halifax International Film Festival (HIFF). These festivals offer a culturally rich experience, showcasing both local and international talent.

Lastly, we would take a day trip to the picturesque coastal towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. In Lunenburg, we would explore its colourful houses and vibrant waterfront, while also sampling the local cuisine to round off our unforgettable experience in the region.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering and unconditional support in helping me pursue my dreams. In particular, I am deeply thankful to my brother, who has made significant sacrifices on my behalf. Their trust, love, and encouragement have been my greatest sources of motivation in overcoming the challenges I have faced throughout this journey. My brother’s constant presence and guidance have not only given me the courage to move forward but also helped me navigate the right path. His contributions are an integral part of my achievements, and knowing that he has always been by my side has been a source of immense strength.

I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to WCEP family and Volkan Cerrahoğlu for granting me the opportunity to represent my country through the High School Ambassadors Program in Canada. Additionally, I am deeply grateful to my teacher, Filiz Çetin Kurt, for her unwavering support since the day I arrived, and to Janet Gates, my coordinator from NSISP, for her invaluable guidance. This program has been transformative, allowing me to see the world from a new perspective, develop my career on a global scale, and build a robust network. It has significantly enriched both my personal and professional growth, and I am profoundly appreciative of this incredible experience.

Website: https://reyhanesen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reyswoman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyhan-esen-1543b4281/?originalSubdomain=ca

Twitter: https://x.com/EsenReyhan22177

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZeIar8r9Z8apv3Nkcsrqxg

Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm16614254/

https://www.gawby.com/en/person/12575947

https://letterboxd.com/Reyhan_Esen/