13.11.2026 08:21
Veteran actress Zuhal Olcay drew attention with her speech at the opening ceremony of the 37th Ankara Film Festival. After her ex-husband Haluk Bilginer suggested using the phrase 'Turkey's cinema' instead of 'Turkish cinema', Olcay's particular emphasis on 'Turkish cinema' was interpreted as a pointed reference to her ex-husband.
After veteran actor Haluk Bilginer suggested using the phrase "cinema of Turkey" instead of "Turkish cinema," a striking response came from his ex-wife Zuhal Olcay. Olcay's use of the phrase "Turkish cinema" in particular during her speech after taking the stage at the Ankara Film Festival was interpreted as a reference to Bilginer.
HALUK BILGINER'S WORDS SPARKED DEBATE The statements Haluk Bilginer used in a past interview became a topic of debate again. In his assessment of the definition of Turkish cinema, the famous actor had said, "Shall we call it the cinema of Turkey? 'Turkish cinema' doesn't sound right to me."
This statement by Bilginer led to different views emerging on how cinema should be defined.
Haluk Bilginer - Zuhal Olcay ZUHAL OLCAY'S EMPHASIS ON "TURKISH CINEMA" Zuhal Olcay, who took the stage at the opening ceremony of the Ankara Film Festival, made assessments about the future of the film industry in her speech before the concert.
Congratulating those who received awards at the festival, Olcay said:
"What a lovely festival we are having once again. I sincerely congratulate everyone receiving an honorary award or any award. About a month ago, a month and a half ago, we were also at a festival in Adana. How nice—these are very pleasing and very honorable days for our cinema. Good films are coming, and even better ones will come. Turkish cinema will go to good places."
INTERPRETED AS A REFERENCE TO HER EX-HUSBAND Zuhal Olcay's choice to use the phrase "Turkish cinema" in particular in her speech was considered an indirect response to the words of her ex-husband Haluk Bilginer.