Zeki Ökten | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1941-08-04)4 August 1941 Istanbul, Turkey |
| Died | 19 December 2009(2009-12-19) (aged 68) Istanbul, Turkey |
| Occupation | Film director |
| Years active | 1963–2006 |
| Spouse | |
Zeki Ökten (4 August 1941 – 19 December 2009) was aTurkishfilm director.
He was born on 4 August 1941 in Istanbul. Zeki Ökten was interested in theatre during his education at theHaydarpaşa High School. He entered his filmmaking career in 1961 as theassistant director ofNişan Hançer directingAcı Zeytin. Zeki Ökten directed his first filmÖlüm Pazarı two years later in 1963.[1] However, he stepped back to the post of assistant director as the success expected did not come. He worked then nine years long as the assistant to the renowned directors likeÖmer Lütfi Akad,Halit Refiğ,Memduh Ün andAtıf Yılmaz.[2]
With his filmsKadın Yapar in 1972 and withBir Demet Menekşe in 1973, written bySelim İleri, he gained recognition. He was honored at theGolden Orange Film Festival in 1977 for directing the film Kapıcılar Kralı.
Real success came with the filmsSürü (1978) andDüşman (1979), both written byYılmaz Güney.Düşman won an Honourable Mention at the30th Berlin International Film Festival in 1980.[3] The filmSürü received nine more international awards, following the honors at the festivals inLocarno 1979 and atAntwerp in 1980. Zeki Ökten received his second Golden Orange award in 1983 for directing the filmFaize Hücum. His 1984 filmPehlivan won an Honourable Mention at the35th Berlin International Film Festival.[4] The themes of his films were social problems featured in comedy.[1][2]
Zeki Ökten died on 19 December 2009, following heart surgery for which he was admitted the day before to the American Hospital in Istanbul.[1] He was laid to rest at theZincirlikuyu Cemetery two days later following a religious funeral ceremony held at theTeşvikiye Mosque.[5] Zeki Ökten is succeeded by his wifeGüler Ökten, a well-known Turkish actress.[2]
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Golden Orange Award for Best Director 1977 forKapıcılar Kralı | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Golden Orange Award for Best Director 1983 forFaize Hücum | Succeeded by |
