The documentary Amazing Turkiye takes viewers on a breathtaking journey across one of the most culturally rich and visually captivating countries in the world—Türkiye. Directed, filmed, and narrated by Marie Noëlle, the film is a powerful example of immersive travel storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a heartfelt approach to documenting human experiences, Marie Noëlle transforms landscapes, encounters, and everyday moments into cinematic reflections of emotion and connection.
Following the film’s Official Selection at the Indo Dubai International Film Festival, we had the pleasure of speaking with Marie Noëlle about the creative process behind Amazing Turkiye. Her insights reveal not only her dedication to visual authenticity but also a deep personal philosophy rooted in curiosity, simplicity, and presence. Here’s what she shared in our interview:
- What inspired you to create Amazing Turkiye, and what was your initial vision for the project?
Marie Noëlle: After Yukon en Van, I wanted to explore a place with a completely different vibe—more vibrant, layered, and historic. Türkiye offered all of that in one destination: sea, mountains, ruins, bazaars, and deep cultural roots. My goal was simple—immerse myself, film everything with honesty, and bring back a story that would make people feel like they were right there beside me.
- Türkiye is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. How did you decide what aspects to highlight in the film?
Marie Noëlle: We traveled through many regions—İstanbul, Selçuk, Ephesus, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Bodrum. The goal was to show the contrasts: ancient ruins and lively cities, coastal life and mountain landscapes. We met locals, including a fruit wine maker and the owner of a boutique hotel, and our guide helped us understand the deeper context. I wanted to highlight not just the famous sites, but the energy of the country—its people, its pace, its textures.
- Did you face any unique challenges while filming in Türkiye, and how did you overcome them?
Marie Noëlle: I travel with a small team, but I handle all the filming myself. That means I’m constantly switching hats—camera operator, sound tech, planner. It’s demanding, but I’m used to it. The key is staying adaptable and keeping a good sense of humor. Thankfully, everything went smoothly on this trip.
- Was there a particular location or moment during production that left a lasting impression on you?
Marie Noëlle: The hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia. The silence, the smooth glide, the landscape unfolding below—it was magical and almost meditative. The sound of the burner, the light at sunrise, the sky filled with balloons each morning—it’s an image that stays with you long after the trip is over.
- Your film beautifully blends visuals with storytelling. How do you approach the balance between aesthetic and narrative?
Marie Noëlle: I shoot with a Sony A7C and use a GoPro for action shots. I always aim for visuals that reflect the feeling of a place. A small, typical village doesn’t need a drone or fancy effects—just the right light and an honest frame. For me, aesthetics are there to serve the emotion and the story, not the other way around.
- As a filmmaker, what themes or values do you consistently try to bring into your work?
Marie Noëlle: Curiosity. Simplicity. Presence. I try to stay grounded and connected to the places I visit. My films aren’t about checking off landmarks—they’re about capturing how it feels to be there, to walk the streets, to hear the language, to pause and look around.
- How has the audience reacted to Amazing Turkiye so far, and has any feedback stood out to you?
Marie Noëlle: The film has been screened at several film festivals and has won multiple awards, which tells me the story resonated. I also showed it to our Turkish guide—he was proud of how his country was portrayed. That feedback means a lot. The film hasn’t premiered in Québec yet, but I’m looking forward to sharing it with my home audience.
- What advice would you give to filmmakers who want to explore new cultures and tell stories that transcend borders?
Marie Noëlle: Travel light. Be curious. Stay humble. Your gear opens doors, but your mindset decides what you’ll truly experience. Don’t try to explain everything—let the audience feel the place for themselves.
Marie Noëlle’s interview is a masterclass in authentic storytelling. Her filmmaking philosophy—centered on simplicity, human connection, and emotional resonance—reminds us that great documentaries are not just about visuals, but about presence. In Amazing Turkiye, she captures the essence of a country not through grand spectacles alone, but by observing small details: a conversation with a local, the golden light in a quiet village, or the hush of dawn over a surreal landscape.
The film is as much about Türkiye as it is about the spirit of exploration. Marie Noëlle’s approach encourages aspiring filmmakers to trust their intuition, embrace unfamiliarity, and resist the urge to over-explain. Her advice—“don’t try to explain everything, let the audience feel”—sums up the emotional intelligence behind her work. At the Indo Dubai International Film Festival, we celebrate voices like hers that invite us to travel deeper, not just across borders, but within.
