Ertem Eğilmez

Ertem Eğilmez — Biography

Born on 18 February 1929 in Trabzon, Ertem Eğilmez became one of the most prolific screenwriters, producers and directors in Turkish cinema. After completing his primary and secondary education in Konya, he graduated from Istanbul University's Faculty of Economics. Following a period working in trade, he founded the Çağlayan publishing house with Refik Erduran in 1954 and launched a humor magazine called "Tef" that same year, while also writing pulp detective novels under the pen name "Mayk Hammer."

He entered the film industry by founding the company Efe in 1961 and his own production house, Arzu Film, in 1964. He began producing with the 1961 film Yaman Gazeteci and made his directing debut with Fatoş'un Fendi Tayfun'u Yendi, which won an award at the Golden Orange (Altın Portakal) festival. Over his career he directed 44 films, wrote 5 screenplays and produced 97 films, helping launch the careers of actors such as Kemal Sunal, Münir Özkul, Adile Naşit, Şener Şen, Halit Akçatepe, Ayşen Gruda, Metin Akpınar and Zeki Alasya.

Known for his crowded ensemble comedies such as the Hababam Sınıfı series, Şabanoğlu Şaban, Banker Bilo and Süt Kardeşler, Eğilmez created a lasting style within Turkish cinema. He died in Istanbul on 21 September 1989. His films remain culturally relevant today: in 2026 it was announced that a sequel to his classic Köyden İndim Şehire was in production.