Kemal Yildirim is a renowned independent filmmaker, recently nominated to become an Ambassador of Northampton due to his significant contributions to the filmmaking industry. His latest drama feature, 'Malady', is currently in production, with Kemal taking on the roles of male lead actor and co-producer.
Prior to this, Kemal completed the drama feature 'Rose', based on a true story, earlier this year. This independently funded feature was originally a short film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009, where it received a special mention. The short film garnered significant media attention and interest from investors, prompting Kemal to develop 'Rose' into a feature film in collaboration with Daphne de Maurier award-winning writer Steve Loveless. 'Rose' the feature film has since been screened at various festivals, including the London Independent Film Festival 2012, where it was an Official Selection, and the Amsterdam Film Festival 2012, where it won the Van Gogh Cinematic Vision Award.
In 2012, Kemal's action/drama film 'Shades of a Killer' was released internationally through Maxim Media, following the success of his first feature film with an international release, 'Tales of the Dead', which was released in 2010 by Chemical Burn Entertainment.
Kemal's Edgar Allan Poe-inspired horror short 'The Raven' premiered at the Picturedrome Northampton in 2011 and went on to screen at the Loch Ness Film Festival 2011 and the End of the Pier International Film Festival 2011, where it won the Best Horror Short 2011 award.
His experimental short 'Flicker' was awarded Best Experimental Short Film at the End of The Pier International Film Festival 2009, followed by screenings at The Film Lab Northampton, Eat My Shorts Film Festival, and Cinematopia @ Life at the Lancashire International Film Festival 2010.
The controversial drama short 'Less is More' was screened at FrightFest and awarded one of the Top Ten Films in Zone Horror's Short Film Competition 'The Cut' in 2008. It also received special recognition as Zone Horror CUT! film of the day on January 14th, 2009, and was officially selected and screened at the UK Cypriot Film Festival 2009 and "British Shorts" 4th Lichtspielklub Kurzfilmfestival 2011.
In 2008, Kemal was approached by international horror magazine Gorezone to co-produce and co-direct a horror mini TV series, 'End Transmission', which was exclusively broadcast for three months on GoreZone TV.
In addition to his work as a director, Kemal is an experienced cinematographer and editor. He also works as a film-making and director mentor in youth engagement and community cohesion projects, providing opportunities and instilling a sense of achievement in youth with limited access to the arts.
