In 2004 Eda Keser worked with a group of young filmmakers and Greenwich Films to make the short film called Okey, about a group of Turkish girls who fight off a gang of boys by playing the traditional game of okey. Okey won Best Screenplay at the First Light Awards in 2005.

Since then 19-year-old Eda has gone on to study a college-based foundation degree in Professional Writing, where she is currently in her final year, and is intending to convert this course into a Creative Industries BA (Hons) degree at Greenwich University.

First Light caught up with Eda to find out more about her career aspirations and future plans!

FL: Do you think working on a First Light film inspired you to pursue further training?

EK: Yes of course, before I loved watching films in any genre, but didn’t realise that I had such a passion for films. After meeting new people and working together with them, it was a big inspiration to go further into filmmaking. The excitement and fun you have when making the film makes you want to do more and more.

FLM: Did winning the Best Screenplay Award play a factor in your decision to do a foundation course?

EK: I knew after making this film that I definitely wanted to take it further but didn’t know what area to specialise in. At the time of the award I was at college doing an A Level in Law which wasn’t going too well. My teacher said to me that I should play on my strengths, then we won the award and it came to me that writing was the way for me. It was sort of the brick dropping on your head moment when I realised it!

FL: Was being involved with the First Light Awards a unique experience?

EK: It was a great experience, knowing that out of hundreds of films made by young people the one I was involved with won the Best Screenplay award; the feeling was something else, very unique indeed! I was full of nerves in anticipation of what was going to happen, thinking whether it will be our film or not all adds to the unique experience. Hollywood here I come; I would probably faint if I won the Oscars®.

FLM: What would be your ideal job?

EK: As I would like to do my own film projects, my ideal job would be making a film of my own. When I say ‘making’ I mean Hollywood style! I would love to work with the greatest actors of all time (like Al Pacino) and combine Hollywood with the Turkish Film industry as well. This would be the ultimate job for me, writing and directing films alongside great directors and actors. Working with Turkish directors such as Sinan Çetin and making films recognised all around the world would be great!

FLM: Anything else you can tell us about making a First Light film, or any advice you can give to other young people just starting out?

EK: This was a one off experience, which doesn’t come along often. Working with First Light was a great opportunity and I admire what they do for the young people; getting them involved with film projects. My experience working with them was one I will never forget. I made great friends; it was a great insight and a marvellous stepping stone. I got to know what actually happens behind the cameras. My advice would be just follow your passion, go with the flow. Making a film is great fun and is an experience which will inspire you even more.

Don’t feel you should specialise just in one area of making a film. For me, I want to write as well as direct, so Spielberg and Scorsese watch your backs! Remember this is just the beginning…

Thanks Eda, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for your name on the big screen!