Documentaries should teach history, culture: Director

By Orhan Kuzu

KARABUK, Turkey (AA) - A Turkish author and director said on Thursday that documentary makers should shoot catchy films for younger generation whose attention is focused mostly on online visual platforms.

Nebil Ozgenturk told Anadolu Agency that the 21st century revolved around a digital world and that the "new generation" was confined to video platforms such as YouTube.

"It is not like I'm saying let's take the youth out of YouTube; however, documentary producers and shooters should lower themselves to the youth's level," he said.

The Turkish director warned that the documentaries should not lose any quality while attempting to catch the level of the younger generation.

"Otherwise, there comes a generation without a culture, who isn't aware of its history, politics and cultural heritage," he added.

According to Ozgenturk, documentaries are watched less today than they were in earlier decades and authorities should find ways to attract more viewers.

He went on to say that taking part in documentary festivals around the world would help young people learn more about this genre and that Turkey organized local and international documentary festivals -- such as the International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival -- to boost youth's interest.

Held annually for the past two decades, the International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival is going to be held on Sept. 25-28. Over 1,500 movies are expected to be displayed in the event.

Stressing the active international participation in the festival, Ozgenturk said Turkish people and organizers should do more to turn this festival into an even more international event.

"[Safranbolu] can transform into a city where everyone talks about and watches documentaries," he said.

Safranbolu is a district in Karabuk province in Turkey's Black Sea region, reflecting the traditional characteristics of Turkish society and cultural heritage. It is on UNESCO's World Heritage List with the province’s authentic houses and local culture.

*Writing and contribution by Ali Murat Alhas