A European Film
Development Initiative
celebrating Europe's cultural diversity
Arzu Kökeng: Biography Babylon 2009
Writer/Director/Producer
Project Title: KANKA
I was born in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. When I turned 21 I moved to Rotterdam to work for several media. In 2003 I co-produced a popular local television programme about the Turkish lifestyle in The Netherlands.
In 2005 I felt the urge to live in Amsterdam, so I moved to the capitol city and started working as a freelancer in journalism. In 2006 I received an EU Young Journalism Special Award for my article about the phenomenon of Turkish people living in the Netherlands but watching Turkish television.
Finally, in 2007, I decided to write my first screenplay 'Kanka' (Blood Brother). One year later I received several grants for development from the Dutch Film Fund and the Media Fund. In the meanwhile I also worked on the set of 'Turquaze' (by Kadir Balci) as a dialogue coach and actress. Then, my own 'Kanka' got selected for the Babylon feature film development programme in 2009.
Currently I'm writing various feature film projects and short movies. I plan to direct and produce a short movie before the end this year. Also I'm working part-time as editor-in-chief at MTNL (Multicultural Television Netherlands).
2011 WORKSHOPS
BABYLON EUROPE PROJECTS 2011
Read more about the projects selected for Babylon europe 2011.
BABYLON INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS 2011
Read more about the projects selected for Babylon International 2011.
WORLD4FILM Forum
Join new Babylon online forum World4Film
