FINALIST TÜRKAN: THE STORY OF A FEMALE SCIENTIST Türkan: Bir Bilim Kadınının Öyküsü November 25 - December 6, 2024 Doc. | 31 min. | 2024 | with English subtitles Directed by Gülay Ayyıldız Yiğitcan The documentary, 'Türkan: The Story of a Female Scientist,' created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, chronicles the inspiring life of Professor Dr. Türkan Saylan. A champion of the modern Republic of Türkiye, Saylan was an idealistic scientist who received the International Gandhi Award for Leprosy in 1986 and a pioneer of modern education. The documentary delves into Professor Dr. Türkan Saylan's life, exploring her personality, her transition from a doctor to a pioneering woman, and her impact on society. The project was spearheaded by Özlem Özdemir, a journalist and investigative writer specializing in women's biographies, with the support of ÇYDD.   Selected Festivals and Awards Antalya International Film Festival, Türkiye (2024)   Gülay AYYILDIZ YİĞİTCAN Gülay Ayyıldız Yiğitcan graduated from the Photography Department of Yıldız Technical University in 1998. She served as an assistant to renowned photographer Orhan Cem Çetin for several years before transitioning her focus to multimedia, interactive media, and art. From 2000 to 2009, she was part of the production team at the Istanbul Culture and Arts Foundation. Additionally, she held the position of production manager for various festivals and galleries. In 2007 and 2009, she served as the co-production supervisor of the Turkish Pavilion. In 2008, she participated in the exhibition Synthesized Bodies in Paris, showcasing two interactive works created in collaboration with Bodig and Center Des Arts. That same year, her technology-themed clothing designs were featured at the Hafriyat exhibition as part of the Bodig festival. From 2004 to 2016, she served as the Photo Editor of Tiyatro...Tiyatro magazine, contributing cover photos. She also briefly held the position of art director at Gecce magazine. In 2009, she founded Klik Studio, where she continues to work in editing, 3D CGI, photography, exhibition production, post-production, theater, and art. She remains actively involved with theater companies as a video and 3D artist, graphic designer, and photographer. Türkan: The Story of a Female Scientist marks her debut as a documentary film director.