About Noksan

Impressive formal mastery, anchored to a deceptively tranquil character - flawlessly conveyed by his understated, yet never dull, actor - “Noksan” takes us deep into the protagonist’s tormented psyche and identity crisis, slowly steering what is first announced as a chronicle into less familiar shores. The use of settings, that of different image regimes, and visual effects - fittingly minimalistic - contribute to this narrative, which navigates, as would a dream, between the most mundane routine to somewhat unreliable memories, and genuinely fantastical visions. 

While working on the short film NOKSAN, I aimed to create a script that maintained its thematic integrity even as the order of the scenes was changed. It's like poetry in a sense. I aimed to create something more fluid, without much of at cause-and-effect relationship between the scenes, and the story arc is rather kept in the background. 

I firmly believe that our memories define us—what we read, watch, and experience. Essentially, everything we create is a remixing of our database. Memories shape our perceptions, influencing how we see ourselves and others. Yet, when memory falters, it can lead to a fragmented sense of identity. In this film, I aim to address this sensation both directly and indirectly, exploring the relationship between memory and identity. 

During the film, we are immersed in Mert's journey as he searches for answers, struggling to understand what's going wrong with his mental health. He interacts with various people and entities, with each connection reflecting his state of mind. Some interactions hold significance in the tangible world, while others feel like extensions of his mind. Mert doesn’t confess that the problem lies within himself, not accepting responsibility. Yet he still seeks answers until he can’t find the courage to go further. 

I didn't intentionally aim to change genres or plan a specific route to bridge between realism and delusions. Instead, I follow my subconscious and print it on the screen through a filter that utilizes the tools of cinema. The canvas that cinema offers us has limitless possibilities, and I want to explore and push its boundaries further. 

The location choices were crucial, setting the mood of the scenes. Despite the character appearing tranquil, his mind is constantly searching for answers and filled with energy. Placing him amidst the chaotic nature of the amusement park and the aggressive fairground machines, which act as an extension of his mind in the framing, will help portray his inner turmoil. 

Grandmother’s house embodies familiarity and nostalgia. With its interior textures and the presence of the grandmother herself set the atmosphere and the context. Mert visits this space to witness the memories it holds (cassettes), establishing a strong connection to the theme. The contrasting textures are found within the cassettes and grandmother's house, yet they are two sides of the same coin. They are catalyzing each other's presence.