Cem Demirer
Writer / Director
Turkey
Cem Demirer, born in 1988 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is a London-based writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor.
His debut feature as a writer/director premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival, earning him the Filmyön Best Director prize at the Adana Golden Boll Film Festival. His short film, Noksan, premiered at the 63rd Semaine de la Critique, winning the Canal+ Award. Cem’s notable cinematography work includes End of Season, which was featured in the Cannes Cinéfondation section, and Siyabonga, showcased at the Locarno Film Festival. Additionally, editing his own films, Cem edited the short film “James,” which was shown at the Venice Film Festival.
He founded his own production company, “HAR Films” in 2023, which supports independent short and feature films.
Project
Risk of Pinching
The story takes place in a middle-class apartment in Istanbul. It begins with an accident when a neighbor dies in the elevator. This sudden encounter with death reminds everyone of life’s fragility and pushes the residents to reflect on their existence. One of them is HAKAN (25), a disabled young man in a wheelchair, raised solely by his father MÜJDAT (60) after his mother left. Shaken by the incident, Hakan confesses his long-suppressed desire for sexual intimacy. The request shocks his father, who believes Hakan cannot engage in sex because of his disability, and he chooses to ignore it. Spoiled since childhood, Hakan is stunned by this rejection and turns to passive aggression, making malicious remarks. Müjdat, reflecting, realises how selfish his son has become and how little his care is valued. Eventually, he yields and arranges a sex worker. Hakan’s desire is fulfilled, but their relationship enters a new phase.
