Behlül Dal

Biography

Born in Istanbul, Behlül Dal left his studies at Ankara Law School halfway through, completed his military service, and was then appointed as director at the Antalya People's House. The People's House where Dal worked became one of Turkey's three major People's Houses through its theatre activities. Behlül Dal founded ANTİŞ Film Antalya Filmcilik Şirketi in Antalya in 1957, which was the first production company outside Istanbul. Dal directed three feature-length art films, 'İnsanlık İçin' (For Humanity), 'Kıbrıs Şehitleri' (Cyprus Martyrs) and 'Izdırap Çocuğu' (Child of Suffering), and produced numerous short films. Dal, who also served as president of the Antalya Higher Education Association, expressed his longing for Antalya while in Istanbul in his poetry book titled "O Kadın" (That Woman). One of the most significant steps in his artistic career was proposing the idea of the Antalya Film Festival and ensuring its realisation. Behlül Dal was recognised as the most important figure in bringing short filmmaking to Turkey and promoting it. Behlül Dal, who retained the title of "Director with the Most Golden Oranges" by winning 8 Golden Orange awards at the Antalya Golden Orange Short Film Competition, was honoured with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Antalya Golden Orange Culture and Arts Foundation in 1997. Dal, who received a jury award every year at the Golden Orange Film Festival, has nearly 300 short films to his name, many of which were broadcast on European television and primarily reflect Antalya. He passed away on 21 June 2002.