The Blue Bird Film Festival had the unique opportunity to engage with filmmaker Yonus Sevik, the creative force behind the poignant film “I Want to Live.” Through a detailed interview, Sevik shared insights into the inspiration, challenges, and messages embedded within his film. This article captures the essence of Sevik’s responses, shedding light on the delicate subject matter and the compelling narrative of “I Want to Live”.
Inspiration and Approach
When asked about the inspiration behind “I Want to Live” and his approach to its delicate subject matter, Yonus Sevik reflected on a unique initiative that paved the way for the film. “I made a program recorded in the format ‘If you tell it, it would be a movie’,” Sevik explained. He posted this program on YouTube, where individuals shared their life stories. “We said we would make a movie out of the 5 most-watched stories. For the first time in the world, the life of an ordinary person was filmed through a competition.” The story selected for the film belonged to a remarkably strong woman whose resilience and strength Sevik believed would inspire everyone who watched it.
Exploring Harrowing Themes
The film delves into the harrowing experiences of a family grappling with domestic abuse and illness. Sevik’s motivation to explore these themes stemmed directly from the stories he encountered through his YouTube program. “Those who watch will understand the joy of living despite everything,” Sevik remarked. “They will see a woman fighting for her children. We will learn to never give up. We will learn the value of health and the love of family. As long as you live, there is always hope.”
Authenticity of Characters
Sevik’s dedication to authenticity in portraying the characters and their struggles was deeply rooted in his personal observations and the stories he collected. “There was a point I noticed while publishing human stories on YouTube. People who keep silent and do not seek their rights and give up are always doomed to be oppressed. And women suffer the fate of their mothers,” he noted. This realization informed the realistic and raw depiction of the characters in “I Want to Live.”
Balancing Emotional Intensity with Hope
“I Want to Live” is a film filled with pathos, but Sevik masterfully balanced the emotional intensity with a sense of hope and resilience. “Behind every determination, there is an effort. Some endeavors are emotional and distressing. If the outcome of the effort is happy, we become both hopeful and emotional,” he explained. Technically, Sevik employed the slow-motion technique in emotional scenes to draw the audience in more deeply. In contrast, action and fast-paced scenes conveyed the stronger, more dynamic parts of the story.
Navigating Familial and Societal Dynamics
Familial relationships and societal pressures are pivotal in “I Want to Live.” Sevik navigated these dynamics by staying true to the real-life story of Sevgi Hanım, the woman whose story he brought to the screen. “Before shooting the film, we talked to Sevgi Hanım, who told her true story. We learned in detail what she went through. We felt the events she experienced and filmed what we felt. We wanted to convey the real-life story verbatim,” Sevik explained. His aim was for the audience to empathize deeply with Sevgi’s journey.
Challenges Faced During Production
Despite the emotional weight of the story, Sevik faced minimal production challenges due to meticulous planning. “Since we worked in a planned and orderly manner, we did not encounter any major problems,” he said. This methodical approach ensured that the film’s production ran smoothly, allowing the team to focus on delivering a powerful narrative.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Sevik is already preparing for his next project. “I am currently preparing for the second movie of Kulyas, which I shot before. The shooting of the film will be done in Türkiye and America. We are preparing for a global horror movie,” he revealed. This upcoming project marks a departure from the intense emotional themes of “I Want to Live,” showcasing Sevik’s versatility as a filmmaker.
Role of Film Festivals
Sevik also shared his thoughts on the significance of film festivals for independent filmmakers. “Film festivals bring respect to the industry. It is an honor for us to be rewarded for our work. People are happy when they get rewarded for their labor,” he stated. For Sevik, festivals like the Blue Bird Film Festival provide essential recognition and validation for the hard work and creativity of filmmakers.
Through this interview, Yonus Sevik offers a profound look into the making of “I Want to Live.” His reflections underscore the importance of storytelling in capturing the resilience of the human spirit, the value of health and family, and the relentless pursuit of hope amidst adversity. As audiences engage with “I Want to Live,” they are invited to witness a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, a true testament to Sevik’s storytelling prowess.
At Blue Bird Film Festival, we celebrate not only the films themselves but also the creative minds behind them – for it is their passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to storytelling that breathe life into the silver screen. Stay tuned for more such exciting interviews with amazing filmmakers across the world.
