Kunay Film is a recently launched Turkish production and distribution company led by, Karina Mia Satlykova. In an exclusive interview with Señal News, she discussed the company’s debut and its ambitious and high-budget first feature film, “Son of a Rich”, for which she serves as the executive producer.
Could you share a bit about Kunay Film’s history and the vision that drives your projects?
“Kunay Film focuses on creating content for family and youth audiences, with a strong emphasis on quality in every aspect of production. For our first project 'Son of the Rich' we brought together some of Turkey’s most prominent and charismatic actors while collaborating with talented industry professionals from various countries. We are committed to maintaining this high standard in our future projects by continuing to work with international teams and adopting best practices from diverse film markets. Our ultimate goal is to produce large-scale international projects that resonate with global audiences, aligning with contemporary trends and catering to the evolving interests of viewers worldwide.”
What sets Kunay Film apart from other distributors in the Turkish film market?
“As a distributor of Turkish content in international markets, we primarily focus on theatrical titles for the big screen. While Turkish drama is already well-established globally, our goal is to produce and distribute high-quality Turkish feature films internationally. At the same time, we also distribute international feature films in the Turkish theatrical market. Although Kunay Film is a relatively new player in the Turkish distribution market, we have already achieved significant results with our third project. Our portfolio features a diverse range of films that cater to a broad audience, with each project supported by a tailored marketing strategy. This approach ensures the commercial success of every film we release. What distinguishes Kunay Film from other distributors is our systematic approach, adaptability to each project, and focus on strategic growth. We invest in deeply researched distribution strategies, including international positioning, which sets us apart and opens new opportunities across global markets.”
You have been working on your first feature film "Son of the Rich". Can you tell us about the story and what makes this film special for international audiences?
“’Son of the Rich’ is an adaptation of one of Russia’s most successful box-office hits. The uniqueness of this project lies in its universal storyline, which has been skillfully adapted to reflect Turkish cultural nuances while retaining the depth and originality of the narrative. With a budget of approximately $5 million, the film stands out for its high production value, evident in every detail—from the stellar cast and meticulously designed costumes to the elaborate sets and large-scale cinematography. The project also boasts a strong international dimension, with professionals from Turkey, Europe, Russia, and India contributing to its creation. This collaboration has resulted in a film with broad global appeal. Special attention was given to the music, with a team of eight international composers creating a score that blends contemporary American musical trends with traditional Turkish motifs. Designed specifically for the big screen, Son of the Rich captivates audiences with its visual spectacle, dynamic storytelling, and universal charm, making it particularly appealing to international viewers.”
What kind of reception are you expecting for this film, particularly in Latin America?
“Latin America is a key region for the promotion of ‘Son of the Rich’, thanks to the immense popularity of the Turkish actors featured in the film. TV series starring these actors have consistently aired in prime time with high ratings across the region. In fact, statistics reveal that their fan base in Latin America surpasses their popularity even in Turkey. Given the strong existing interest in Turkish dramas, we are confident that the film will resonate with Latin American audiences. We see great potential in this market and are exploring opportunities for theatrical release, which we believe will further solidify Kunay Film’s position on the international stage.”
Besides "Son of the Rich", what other titles from your catalog are you presenting at Content Americas?
“We are actively working on six new projects, encompassing both feature films and short series across a variety of genres. All of these projects are in development, with plans to begin production on three of them later this year. These include ‘Mirror’, an adventure romance feature, and ‘White Nights’, a romantic musical film based on Dostoyevsky's novel.”
Turkish dramas and films have gained significant popularity in Latin America. What makes Turkish productions so appealing to this market?
“The popularity of Turkish dramas in Latin America can be attributed to the profound cultural similarities between the two regions. Shared values, such as the importance of family, emotional depth, and compelling storytelling, resonate strongly with Latin American audiences. The high production quality of Turkish content and the exceptional talent of its actors further amplify this appeal, establishing Turkish projects as a significant part of the region’s media landscape. At Kunay Film, we recognize the immense potential of this demand and are committed to leveraging it through the development of unique international projects. Our approach focuses on creating films with universal storylines that retain the authenticity of Turkish culture while appealing to audiences worldwide. A key component of our strategy is forging partnerships with local distributors and streaming platforms to maximize the reach and impact of our productions. We firmly believe that these cross-cultural projects will not only enhance the global recognition of Turkish content but also build meaningful bridges between cultures and regions, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creative innovation in filmmaking.”
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