The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on every corner of the world, and one of the industries most affected has been cinema. In Turkey, like in many other countries, movie theaters were closed for months, and the way people consume entertainment shifted dramatically. Even as theaters have reopened, cinema attendance has not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. Instead, audiences have become accustomed to watching content at home, on their own time. And the rise of digital platforms, from YouTube to Netflix, has only accelerated this trend. Now, we're seeing a dramatic shift in the Turkish film industry, one that presents challenges for independent filmmakers who are struggling to find their place in this changing landscape.
The Pandemic's Impact: From Cinema Halls to Home Screens
Before the pandemic, Turkish cinemas were booming. In 2019, box office revenues hit 1.2 billion Turkish Lira. But 2020 painted a very different picture. With the onset of the pandemic and the closure of theaters, ticket sales dropped by 85%. Movie theaters went dark, and people turned to their screens at home.
One of the big winners of the lockdown was YouTube. In Turkey, YouTube usage skyrocketed, with reports showing a 40% increase in viewing time during the pandemic. This rise in online content consumption wasn’t just about watching the latest films or shows; it was also about revisiting the past. Old TV shows, especially those from the '90s and early 2000s, found new life on YouTube. Shows like "Bizimkiler" and "Çocuklar Duymasın" became go-to comfort content for many people, with users watching episodes on repeat. In a way, YouTube became a refuge for people looking to pass the time during lockdown, watching content that made them feel connected to a simpler, pre-pandemic world.
This shift toward watching familiar content on platforms like YouTube is something that hasn't been fully acknowledged by the traditional film industry. While cinemas remain largely empty, audiences are content to stay home and indulge in old favorites. It's a behavior that reflects a wider change in how people think about entertainment now—“sit at home and play something” has become the new normal.
Digital Platforms: A Blessing and a Curse for Cinema Culture
Now, let’s talk about streaming services like Netflix, BluTV, and PuhuTV. These platforms have become the new home for Turkish audiences who prefer the convenience of watching movies and series from the comfort of their homes. And while streaming has given people access to a wider range of content than ever before, it's also contributed to a sharp decline in cinema attendance.
These platforms offer an endless library of content, making it easy to consume movies and shows without leaving your couch. This convenience, coupled with affordable subscription models, means that cinemas are no longer the default choice for most people when they want to watch a film. This shift is especially tough on independent filmmakers, who once relied on theatrical releases to get their work seen. Today, it's harder for smaller films to get noticed amid the sheer volume of content available online, where big-budget productions and popular stars dominate the spotlight.
In Turkey, streaming platforms have taken over as the main source of entertainment. It’s not just about films either—TV series dominate the scene. And with the rise of platforms like Netflix and BluTV, it’s clear that the focus is on mass-market content that appeals to large audiences. For independent filmmakers, the challenge is obvious: how do you compete when people are more interested in a popular TV-inspired film starring a well-known actor than a fresh, unique indie project?
The TV Serıes Trend: Turkish Cinema Moves Toward TV-Style Fılms
Another shift in Turkish cinema is the growing trend of adapting popular TV series into feature films. Turkish TV series have exploded in popularity over the past decade, not only at home but internationally as well. Shows like "Eşkıya Dünyaya Hükümdar Olmaz" and "Sen Çal Kapımı" have become global phenomena, with fans in countries ranging from Spain to the Middle East.
Given their success, it's no surprise that producers want to bring these stories to the big screen. But here’s the problem: adapting a TV series into a film often leads to predictable, formulaic productions. These films tend to rely on the same actors and narratives that made the TV series so popular, but in doing so, they often lack the fresh creativity that we expect from cinema. It becomes less about taking risks and telling unique stories, and more about creating something that feels familiar and safe.
While these adaptations may attract big audiences, they also limit the diversity of content available in theaters. Independent films—those that challenge conventions, experiment with storytelling, and offer new perspectives—are often overshadowed by these star-studded, TV-inspired productions. It's a trend that’s shaping the landscape of Turkish cinema today.
Star Power on Streaming: A Double-Edged Sword for Independent Cinema
The rise of streaming platforms has also led to an increased focus on star-driven content. It’s no secret that big names in film draw large audiences. This has always been true in cinema, but now, with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the importance of star power has reached new heights. In Turkey, viewers are increasingly drawn to films with well-known actors—sometimes to the detriment of independent films, which often feature fresh, lesser-known talent.
A recent study revealed that 60% of streaming viewers in Turkey choose what to watch based on the stars involved. This trend means that smaller independent films, which don’t rely on big-name actors, struggle to gain attention. As streaming services prioritize celebrity-led content, it becomes harder for independent filmmakers to stand out and for audiences to discover new voices. Independent cinema risks becoming marginalized, with fewer opportunities for emerging filmmakers to gain visibility.
Looking Ahead: Supportıng Independent Cınema ın a Changıng World
Despite the challenges, there is still hope for Turkish cinema. The future of independent filmmaking doesn’t have to be bleak. The key will be finding new ways to reach audiences and supporting these filmmakers through initiatives like government funding, film festivals, and partnerships with niche streaming platforms that are open to riskier, more diverse projects.
Independent cinema thrives on creativity, risk, and innovation. If filmmakers continue to focus on telling bold, unique stories that resonate with audiences, there’s still a space for them in Turkey’s film culture. But for this to happen, the film industry needs to embrace change—not just in how films are distributed, but in how they are supported and celebrated.
Cinema may have changed, but it’s up to us to ensure that it continues to evolve in ways that honor its artistic roots. If we can strike the right balance between the convenience of streaming and the magic of the theater, we can help independent films continue to thrive, and ensure that the future of Turkish cinema remains as diverse and exciting as it has always been.
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