Women in Turkish cinema leadership are breaking new ground, and Aspire alumna Esra Kars (ALP ’24) is among them. When she first stepped onto a stage as a child, she knew that performance and storytelling would one day shape her life’s work. Born in Ankara and trained as a lawyer, Esra discovered her true passion in cinema, where art, social impact, and leadership intersect.
Her career now spans film criticism, press, programming, and festival leadership, with roles at international events including San Sebastián, Flying Broom Women’s Festival, Cali Koy Film Festival, and Adana Golden Boll Film Festival. Today, she is a programmer for the Toronto Turkish Film Festival and was recently selected as a Talent Press critic at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
From Law to Lens
Esra’s early love of literature and writing led her into law school, where she explored how individual challenges fit into larger social systems. Independent cinema shifted her perspective. Consequently, she began to see film as both an artistic expression and a vehicle for change.
That realization inspired her move into screenwriting, film criticism, and eventually festival programming. “I realized I could combine my legal training, my passion for writing, and my desire for social impact into a single career path,” she explains.
If the plan fails, don’t stop. Be patient, shift direction. There’s always another door.
Shaping Cinema Through Festivals
For Esra, film festivals are more than red carpets – they are the heartbeat of cinema. She worked as a pre-jury, then coordinated press and programming. Each role helped her understand the ecosystem from all angles. Her goal is to manage international film festivals in Türkiye that elevate diverse voices and foster inclusiveness.
The visibility of artistic labor is indispensable for a cinema artist.
Finding a Global Lens With Aspire
Esra first learned about the Aspire Leaders Program through her youth network. She felt deeply connected to its mission of supporting young leaders from challenging environments and building global connections. The program transformed her perspective. She discovered that leadership means responsibility, communication, and inclusion, and it’s not about titles. Above all, the program gave her the confidence to step into international spaces and introduced her to a global network that continues to shape her career.
Soon after Aspire, she took on roles at international film festivals. She credits the program for broadening her outlook and building her self-confidence.
Aspire gave me the courage to step into the international arena and build my career on a broader global scale.
Giving Voice to Women
Esra’s writing focuses on independent cinema and especially on amplifying women filmmakers. Through interviews, reviews, and festival programming, she ensures their stories are not overlooked and ensures independent female filmmakers have the visibility they deserve. This year, her reviews with Bağımsız Sinema earned her a spot at Talents Sarajevo. As a result, she learned to craft world-class texts as a critic. “My holistic approach to cinema is about ensuring these artists’ work continues to exist and be seen,” she said.
What’s Next for Esra?
Looking ahead, Esra is determined to keep expanding her impact. Her dream is to build a pitching platform that will nurture the next generation of young women in Turkish cinema leadership. She also hopes to pursue a master’s in cinema and grow her career as a screenwriter, producer, and festival organizer.
Her advice to future Aspire participants? Be multifaceted.
“Having a profession outside the arts can enrich your perspective. I would encourage aspiring leaders to multitask, manage their time well, and build strong international networks.”
