Amidst a large gathering of fans and international media, the 8th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival hosted an exclusive panel discussion featuring the renowned Turkish star Kaan Urgancıoğlu, best known for his leading role in the globally acclaimed series “Yargı” (The Family Secrets). The session explored the actor’s career trajectory, his insights into the evolution of Turkish drama, and the impact of cultural collaboration among regional filmmakers.
The Charm of El Gouna and Cultural Ties
Urgancıoğlu began the talk by expressing his delight at visiting El Gouna for the first time, praising the festival’s organization and artistic caliber. He highlighted the deep-rooted commonalities between the Egyptian and Turkish people, particularly in their appreciation for art and shared human emotions. “Cinema and drama are universal languages that require no translator,” he remarked. “What comes from the heart reaches the heart anywhere in the world.”
On Retirement: “I Have Seriously Considered Quitting”
In a moment of profound candor that surprised the audience, Kaan Urgancıoğlu opened up about the psychological toll of his career, admitting that the thought of retirement has crossed his mind more than once.
“There were moments when I felt completely drained, both mentally and physically, after years of continuous filming,” Urgancıoğlu revealed. “I reached a point where I felt I had nothing left to give, and the passion that once fueled me began to fade. I seriously considered leaving everything behind to seek a quiet life away from the cameras.”
He further explained that he does not view acting as an “eternal profession,” but rather as a stage in life. He emphasized that if he ever feels he has become a “machine” performing roles without a soul, retirement would be the most honorable choice for both himself and his audience. While he has not officially stepped away yet, he noted that his current phase is one of deep reflection and extreme selectivity, ensuring that any future role must reignite his creative spark.
The Craft of Complex Characters
The actor touched upon the challenges of portraying “Prosecutor Ilgaz” in “Yargı”, explaining that preparing for roles requires deep psychological research rather than just memorizing scripts. “I always look for the human side and the vulnerability in every character I play,” Urgancıoğlu added. “Perfection doesn’t attract audiences as much as truth and sincerity do.”
Independent Cinema and Global Reach
Responding to a question about his cinematic ambitions, the Turkish star indicated his attraction to independent films that carry intellectual and social messages. He emphasized that international festivals like El Gouna are the ideal platform for exchanging expertise and developing a new cinematic language that transcends traditional borders. He also expressed enthusiasm for potential joint Arab-Turkish artistic projects, describing such a step as “natural given the close artistic identities.”
Advice for Young Talent
Concluding the session, Kaan offered advice to aspiring actors, stressing the importance of patience and continuous learning. He noted that success is not accidental but the result of genuine passion and a deep understanding of oneself and the surrounding reality. He added that modern digital platforms have opened doors that were once closed, giving creators a golden opportunity to reach a global audience instantly.
The panel ended with a lively Q&A session, where the Turkish star engaged warmly with the audience, further solidifying his status as one of the most prominent international figures gracing El Gouna this year.
October 22, 2025.
