Melisa ÖNEL (1980, Turkey) studied International Relations at Tufts University, and Film Studies at Istanbul Bilgi University. A photographer and filmmaker, her work has been presented at international exhibitions, in theatres and installations around the world. Her documentary “Me and Nuri Bala” (Ben ve Nuri Bala, 2009) received Best First Documentary Awards from Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, her debut “Seaburners” (“Kumun Tadi”2014) receieved Best Director at “Olhares de Mediteraneo” Film Festival and premiered at the 64th International Berlin Film Festival, Forum Section. Her second feature “Suddenly” (“Aniden” 2022) has premiered at Tokyo International Film Festival and will be having it’s European Premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam (2023).

• 2008 — The Shop | Short
• 2009 — Me and Nuri Bala | Short, documentary
• 2014 — Seaburners | Feature film
• 2016 — Coastliners | Short
• 2022 — Suddenly | Feature film