We were lucky to catch up with Ecenur Renkmen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ecenur , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

As a director and cinematographer, I’ve often pondered this question. The pursuit of creativity brings a sense of fulfillment that’s incomparable, yet it’s not without its challenges. Being a creative means embracing uncertainty and living with a constant push to innovate, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting.

I used to have a full-time 9-to-5 job, but it wasn’t the kind of job I wanted to have in my life as a creative person. After a few years, the job became monotonous and stifled my creativity and passion. I tried, but I realized I couldn’t work a regular 9-to-5 job. For me, being a director and cinematographer isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of life. It’s about expressing emotions, telling stories, and capturing moments that resonate with others on a deeper level. The thought of giving that up for the sake of predictability felt like losing a part of myself. I concluded that while the life of a filmmaker can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. The moments of doubt are just part of the journey, and they make the successes even sweeter. So, I embrace the uncertainty, knowing that it’s a necessary part of the creative process. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that I find the inspiration to push forward and continue to create work that resonates with others.

Being a director and cinematographer is not just what I do; it’s who I am. And for all its ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not have come across my work before, my name is Ecenur Renkmen, and I am a director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California originally from Turkey. I graduated from the theater department at Ankara University in 2013 and later studied at Santa Monica College’s Film Program from 2016 to 2018. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Television, Film, and Theatre at California State University Los Angeles.

My journey into this industry began with a profound love for visual storytelling—a love that I nurtured over the years through education, hands-on experience, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around me. I got into this industry because I believe in the power of images to convey emotions and narratives that words alone cannot capture. My work primarily revolves around crafting visual stories that resonate with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level. Whether it’s through film, commercials, music videos, or other forms of visual media, my goal is to create content that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact.

I have worked on several projects as a director and cinematographer in Italy, Turkey, and Los Angeles.

You can find more about my work on my website, IMDb, and Instagram:

www.ecenurrenkmen.com

IMDb: Ecenur Renkmen

Instagram: @ecenur.renkmen

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a director and cinematographer is the ability to bring stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea, a vision, or a feeling and transforming it into a visual experience that can move, inspire, or challenge an audience. It’s the moments when I see people react—whether they’re moved to tears, laughter, or deep reflection—that remind me why I do what I do. The connection between the storyteller and the audience, the shared experience of a story well told, is what makes all the challenges and uncertainties of this path worthwhile.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is driven by a mission to tell stories that explore the depths of human emotion and experience. My goal is to create visual narratives that resonate on a profound level, offering audiences not just entertainment but a deeper connection to the themes and characters portrayed. I love creating universes around hero and character stories, and I have a particular passion for absurdist plays, movies, and visual media. This fascination drives me to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, using the medium of film and theater to provoke thought, evoke empathy, and spark meaningful conversations. I’m planning to focus my graduate thesis on absurdist art forms, delving deeply into this genre to further explore and express these unique narratives. Ultimately, my mission is to create work that leaves a lasting impact, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and see the world through a different lens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ecenurrenkmen.com/
• Instagram: @ecenur.renkmen
• Other: IMDb : Ecenur Renkmen

Image Credits

UnBurnt Media