SILENT PLAN, 13min., Turkey
Directed by Omer Yildirim
A groundbreaking new technology offers hope to the deaf: the ability to hear sounds once again. Four young individuals, chosen to be part of this revolutionary step, eagerly await the moment they will finally hear the voices of their loved ones—voices they have been recording for years. But just days before the official launch, they are quietly removed from the project. No explanation is given; their dreams are taken from them.

https://instagram.com/bayomer

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Before I even started writing the script, I wrote a sentence in my notebook:
“If all sounds disappeared one day, whose voice would you long to hear
the most?”

That sentence became the creative spark and the emotional core of Silent Plan.

The idea took shape in 2024, during a conversation I had with producer Mehmet Şah Çelik at the Cannes Film Festival. From the very beginning, I envisioned a film that could be watched under equal conditions by audiences around the world.

Around 65% of the film features characters communicating through sign language, which means that whether you're Turkish, Japanese, or American, you're reading subtitles during the same moments. That choice naturally equalized the viewing experience.

It’s important to clarify that Silent Plan is not a silent film. In fact, some scenes are quite loud. The only difference is that the lead characters use sign language to communicate.

We live in a world full of noise, yet very few people are truly heard. That contradiction moved me deeply. For me, portraying the world of deaf individuals wasn’t about representation—it was about capturing the “desire to be heard” and how it echoes through silence.

By exploring the characters’ suppressed emotions, their invisibility, and inner fractures, I wanted to give voice to feelings that many experience but rarely express. This film wasn’t just about telling a story—it was about making what’s unheard felt, and what’s unseen known.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?

Writing the screenplay took about two months, but it went through 13 full revisions. With each version, I reworked the emotional layers of the characters and focused on simplifying the structure while making the story more powerful.

During pre-production, we collaborated closely with deaf actors and a sign language instructor. It was essential for us to build the film’s authenticity without compromising emotional integrity.

Filming took place over three intense days, and the editing and post-production phases were carefully planned and executed.

In total, from the initial concept to the final cut, Silent Plan was completed in about six months. While that might seem like a short timeline, the process was creatively demanding and rich in detail every step of the way.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Those two words became the title of our film: Silent Plan.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

We shot the film during winter and faced extremely challenging weather conditions. Snow, rain, fog—we dealt with almost every element nature had to offer. It was physically demanding but creatively enriching.

Our limited budget also posed some difficulties, particularly in terms of technical conditions and production logistics. Thankfully, our technical crew was both highly professional and deeply dedicated. Their commitment helped us overcome many obstacles, and I want to extend my gratitude once again to every team member featured on the film poster.

Another major challenge was communication. On set, only one person knew sign language: Merve Ayaz. She was both an actress and our sign language coach. Even when she wasn't in a scene, she had to be present constantly, which was exhausting for her—but thanks to her, we were able to maintain strong and effective communication with our deaf actors.

Collaborating with a team that doesn’t all share the same spoken language taught me a great deal. As a director, it reminded me that communication isn’t just about words—it’s built through attention, care, and mutual understanding.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?

To be honest, at that moment I didn’t feel like a director—I felt like an audience member.

The connection they formed with the film felt incredibly sincere. It was both surprising and deeply rewarding to see that the emotions we aimed to evoke in the editing room had actually reached them and echoed back in their comments.

I was especially moved by how they noticed the transitions between sound and silence and linked them to the film’s visual language. The fact that they interpreted a technical choice through an emotional lens showed me that this film wasn’t just “watched”—it was truly “felt.” And to me, that’s the most valuable kind of feedback a film can receive.

Additionally, hearing them describe the story as original and praise the writing style was highly motivating for our entire team. Their effort to not only understand Silent Plan but to embrace it reminded us why we wanted to tell this story in the first place.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My passion for the stage began at a very early age, but over time, I realized that the imaginary worlds I created couldn’t be confined to theater alone. My growing interest in visual language, rhythm, and the expressive power of silence naturally drew me toward cinema.

For me, filmmaking became not just a way to tell stories, but a way to make emotions felt —especially when it comes to making the unheard somehow heard.

Thanks to my background in theater, I had a strong foundation in character development and scene dynamics, but the limitless possibilities of storytelling through the camera deeply fascinated me.

I didn’t just realize I wanted to make films—I realized I needed to.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

It’s hard to pick just one film, but I can say I’ve watched almost all of Christopher Nolan’s films multiple times. Memento, The Prestige, Interstellar, Inception... each of them drew me back again and again with their layered storytelling and conceptual depth.

His exploration of themes like time, memory, reality, and identity has always fascinated me.

Nolan's work showed me how cinema can tell complex stories while still building a strong emotional connection with the audience.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?

In addition to screenings, small-scale workshops or networking events that foster creative exchange between directors and producers could be incredibly valuable.

One of the most impactful parts of this experience was receiving the audience feedback video. It’s a wonderful initiative that encourages not just viewing, but deep reflection and conversation around the film. I would love to see more festivals adopt similar practices.

Programs that offer mentorship or one-on-one sessions with industry professionals— especially for emerging filmmakers—can also provide strong support for career growth.

When a festival becomes more than just a showcase—when it becomes a space of connection and collaboration—it adds real meaning to the journey of making films.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?

FilmFreeway is a very accessible and user-friendly platform, especially for independent filmmakers. From uploading the film to choosing festivals, from submission to tracking the process—every step is smooth and transparent.

It also makes communication easier since many festivals manage everything directly through the platform. Receiving timely updates and being able to track the application status at any time gives the process a sense of clarity and professionalism.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love potatoes in every form—fried, boiled, baked... What fascinates me is how they appear in almost every culture, yet always remain simple and comforting.

In a way, it reminds me of cinema: a basic ingredient that becomes powerful when everyone adds their own touch.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Yes, I currently have three projects in development. One is a psychological thriller feature, and another is a migrant story set in London. I’ve also completed the script for a seven episode series with an unconventional structure and narrative.

In addition to these, I’m planning to adapt Silent Plan—a short film that has received considerable international attention and awards—into a six-episode mini-series. I want to expand its world and delve deeper into the characters and themes that resonated with so many viewers. At the moment, I plan to move forward with whichever project receives the most interest and support.