We recently connected with Cem Ertunc and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cem thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I realized I wanted to pursue a creative path wasn’t one of those cinematic “lightbulb moments” you’d expect. I didn’t grow up running around with a toy camera in hand or dreaming about making films since I was a kid. I was born in Turkey, and while I always had this restless urge to create something, I didn’t quite know what that “something” was for a long time.

So, I did what many ambitious, slightly lost kids do: I took the “safe” route. I studied engineering, thinking I could invent groundbreaking technologies and leave my mark on the world. But let me tell you—sitting through hours of calculus didn’t exactly set my soul on fire. It wasn’t it. Not even close.

Somewhere along the way, though, I started making little films with my friends. Nothing fancy—just small, scrappy projects shot on weekends when we were supposed to be studying. And man, something about those moments felt different. The buzz of brainstorming ideas, the chaos of filming, the thrill of piecing it all together in editing—it felt alive.

The more we made, the more obsessed I became. I didn’t just want to tell stories; I needed to. But the moment it truly clicked for me was when we got bold and decided to make a feature film during my senior year of college. It was insane. None of us knew what we were doing, but we were too passionate (or stubborn?) to let that stop us. That film, One Way, ended up on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

That project didn’t just light a fire in me—it was like a full-blown inferno. After that, there was no going back. I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to create films for the rest of my life. Looking back, engineering was just the long scenic route that brought me to the destination I was always meant to find: storytelling.

Cem, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a filmmaker based in LA, but my heart and creative roots are split between two worlds: the vibrant city I call home and my hometown in Turkey. I specialize in directing and editing films, which means I’m usually found either behind a camera or glued to my editing setup, piecing together stories frame by frame.

Under my production banner, Kirchhoff Productions, I’ve produced and released four short films and one feature film so far. These projects are deeply personal, often blending the unique cultural and emotional landscapes of my experiences in Turkey and LA. Beyond Kirchhoff, I’ve also directed and edited two independent short films in LA, with a feature film here currently in the works—a project I’m incredibly excited about.

While I’m building my own portfolio as a director, my bread and butter is narrative editing. I love diving into other filmmakers’ worlds, and helping their visions come to life through editing. There’s a thrill in shaping raw footage into something powerful—finding the rhythm, the emotion, and the magic hidden within the cuts.

What sets my work apart is its duality. I draw inspiration from the rich storytelling traditions of my Turkish heritage and combine it with the fast-paced, bold creativity of LA’s film scene. That fusion helps me tell stories that feel both deeply grounded and universally resonant.

What I’m most proud of? Definitely One Way, the feature film that kickstarted my career. It was an insane project that taught me the power of taking risks, trusting your collaborators, and diving headfirst into the unknown. But more than that, I’m proud of the fact that my work creates connections—whether it’s between the audience and the story, or between me and the incredibly talented people I get to work with every day.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that my work is about more than just filmmaking—it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and perspectives that might otherwise go unseen. Whether it’s through my own projects or by helping others tell their stories, that’s the heart of everything I do.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, there’s a deeply personal mission driving my creative journey. I come from a town in Turkey called Izmir, a beautiful place with so much potential, but when it comes to film culture, it’s almost nonexistent. Growing up, there wasn’t much of a local industry to look up to or a creative community to nurture young storytellers.

That’s why my biggest goal in life is to give back to the city that raised me. I want to build a film industry in Izmir—one that sparks creativity, inspires young minds, and gives future generations a reason to dream about cinema. I envision a thriving hub where people from Izmir don’t have to leave home to pursue their artistic aspirations.

To make that dream a reality, my plan is to first make a name for myself here in Hollywood. LA is the epicenter of the global film industry, and I’m here to learn everything I possibly can—from storytelling techniques to industry logistics—so that I can take that knowledge back to Izmir someday.

Every project I work on now is not just about the present; it’s an investment in the future. The more I grow as a filmmaker, the closer I get to creating the foundation for a new wave of cinema in my hometown. My creative journey isn’t just about making films—it’s about creating opportunities, building a community, and giving others the tools to dream big, just like I did.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

For anyone out there in engineering or science—the field I once called home—I want to share something that took me years to realize: it’s okay to step off the expected path and explore what truly makes you feel alive.

As engineers, we’re trained to be amazing at solving problems, building systems, and sticking to logic. But what we’re not always taught is how to listen to that voice inside that says, “Hey, does this really feel like home?” For me, it didn’t. I loved the challenge of engineering, but it never sparked the kind of joy and fulfillment I found in creating films.

Here’s the thing: it’s perfectly okay to have a 9-to-5 job. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind one myself right now—stability is a gift, especially in a creative field where things can be unpredictable. But the key is to find something that makes you happy while also allowing you to survive financially. It’s not about chasing some romanticized dream of quitting your job and risking it all. It’s about building a life where what you do aligns with who you are.

So, to all the logical minds out there: don’t dismiss that tug in your heart just because it doesn’t fit the traditional mold of success. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. And if my story resonates even a little, maybe it’s time to ask yourself—What makes me feel at home?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cemertunc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cem_ertunc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cemertunc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTaavWQRYXU1cTgs-TevpHw
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9485039