Until today I had no idea that there was a booming film industry in Turkey, churning out around 100 films a year. When I was told I would be interviewing a young woman from Turkey, I immediately had to find out the most compelling facts I could search up. I always feel that it is good practice to try and learn the viewpoints of others in hopes to have a better understanding, human experience throughout life. I strive to see life through another set of eyes and experiences. I also have an insatiable appetite for information. I found that after the Turkish film “Winter Sleep,” directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, won the highest award at the Cannes Film Festival their domestic box office has exploded. With success following her here, Deniz Olgac, the young woman from Turkey, has made herself into an accomplished actress. She has done several things in the Turkish industry as well as here in America. Deniz starred in feature films, a TV series, and various commercials before coming to America. After relocating to Los Angeles, Deniz decided to study acting at UCLA. She recently completed her first US commercial for Starbucks. In addition to that, she just completed her first US feature film, “Desolation,” directed by David Moscow.
Deniz’s acting resume all started on the theater stages of Turkey. As a member of the Bilgi Stage Theater Company, in Istanbul, she trained and starred in many stage productions, such as “The Bald Soprano,” “Measure for Measure,” and “Lovers’ Quarrels.” After launching her stage career, she jumped to TV as a series regular, starring in a popular sitcom. Commercials and feature films soon followed down her list of credits in Turkey.
Deniz’s first leading role in a feature film was in the comedy “No Ofsayt (No Offsides).” While filming “No Offsides,” she attracted the attention of acclaimed horror film master Hasan Karacadag, to star in his sequel film, “D@bbe 2,” which went on to become one of the highest-grossing horror movies in the history of Turkish cinema. Another start that made its way through the horror rite of passage.
Deniz’s last film in Turkey, “Ortak (The Partner),” was a poignant drama with her as the lead actress. Deniz portrayed a small-town girl who moves to the big city of Istanbul with wide-eyed expectations but finds herself in a world of complicated and destructive relationships.
In tandem with her acting career in Turkey, Deniz created an impressive modeling career. She began runway modeling at an early age for various Turkish designers. Her latest runway show was in 2014, in the historic port town of Bodrum, also known as the St. Tropez of Turkey. Deniz’s commercial works include Mavi Jeans and a Fiat automobile campaign, you know those lil’ cars you see all over LA? Deniz was chosen as the new face of Mavi Jeans in a campaign named ‘This is Istanbul’, she also modeled for the posters that were used in their stores throughout the world. Perhaps you’ve seen her?
