Biografi
Kemal Yildirim is an award-winning independent filmmaker nominated to become an Ambassador of Northampton in recognition of his contributions to filmmaking. Currently, he is producing his latest drama feature, 'Malady,' in which he stars as the male lead and serves as co-producer. Kemal is also developing several feature projects as a Director, Producer, and Actor.
Earlier this year, Kemal completed the drama feature 'Rose,' based on a true story. This independently funded film evolved from a short screened at Cannes in 2009, where it received a special mention, followed by showings in Manchester and Northampton. The short attracted media attention and investor interest, leading Kemal to expand "Rose" into a feature film in collaboration with Daphne du Maurier award-winning writer Steve Loveless. The feature is currently on the festival circuit, earning official selections at the London Independent Film Festival 2012 and winning the Van Gogh Cinematic Vision Award at the 2012 Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2012, Kemal secured an international distribution deal for the action/drama film "Shades of a Killer" with Maxim Media, released in March. This marks his second feature with an international release, following "Tales of the Dead," which was distributed by Chemical Burn Entertainment in late 2010.
The Edgar Allan Poe-inspired horror short "The Raven" premiered at the Picturedrome Northampton on March 27, 2011, and was subsequently selected for the Loch Ness Film Festival 2011 and the End of the Pier International Film Festival 2011, where it won Best Horror Short.
His experimental short "Flicker" marked Kemal's first venture into the genre and won Best Experimental Short Film at the End of the Pier International Film Festival 2009. It was also screened at The Film Lab Northampton, the Eat My Shorts Film Festival hosted by The Gate Films (named Production Company of the Year 2007-2009 by The Drum Magazine), and Cinematopia at the Lancashire International Film Festival 2010.
The provocative drama short "Less is More" was screened at FrightFest and named one of the Top Ten Films in Zone Horror's Short Film Competition 'The Cut' in 2008. It was also featured as ZoneHorror CUT! film of the day on January 14, 2009, and officially selected for the UK Cypriot Film Festival 2009 and "British Shorts" at the 4th Lichtspielklub Kurzfilmfestival 2011.
In 2008, Kemal was recruited by the international horror magazine Gorezone to co-produce and co-direct the horror mini TV series "End Transmission," which aired exclusively on GoreZone TV for three months.
Alongside his directing career, Kemal is an experienced cinematographer and editor. He also serves as a Filmmaking and Directing Mentor in youth engagement and community cohesion projects, fostering achievement and creating opportunities for young people with limited access to the arts.
