Director's Works
Turkish Oil Wrestling Jan Hellwich, Samet Yalcin
Directors Jan Hellwich and Samet Yalcin combine high aesthetics with powerful storytelling to emphasize the importance of intercultural exchange, using art and narrative to foster understanding.
Their project on Turkish oil wrestling explores themes of identity, heritage, and connection, reflecting their commitment to culturally significant storytelling.
Jan, the son of a photographer, refined his artistic passion at the renowned Filmakademie and gained extensive experience as an Art Director and working as Creative Assistant to the illustrious Gordon Von Steiner. His collaborations with iconic fashion brands and his talent for visually compelling narratives give his work universal appeal.
Samet, a trained writer and director with deep Turkish roots, draws inspiration from cross-cultural perspectives. Despite his young age, he has already written a series in development, demonstrating his dedication to bridging cultures through cinema.
“Turkish Oil Wrestling” explores the ancient tradition of Turkish oil wrestling, not just as a sport, but as a ritual of strength, discipline, and deep spiritual connection. Rooted in Ottoman history, the Pehlivans gather each year at Kırkpınar, one of the oldest tournaments in the world, their oiled bodies glistening under the sun as they engage in a battle of endurance and technique.
We dive deep into the unspoken bonds between wrestlers, the subtle choreography of combat, and the echoes of history that shape this tradition.
“Turkish Oil Wrestling” brings together Turkish culture with an unusual sense of male intimacy.
