When you first read Valley of Hearts, what did it make you feel, and what aspects of the project impressed you the most?
Burak Sergen: First of all, it’s a script written by a very experienced screenwriter. I’ve always loved stories about large families, exploring their ups and downs. As the father of the household, I feel like the lead of the family. As I always say, when a good production company, a talented storyteller, a skilled director, and great actors come together, the project rarely fails. Also, the fact that it’s being filmed outside of Istanbul, in the stunning landscape of Cappadocia, really impressed me.
Burak Sergen: “Samet is a unique character; he has a short temper but once his anger fades, he becomes a fun, cheerful man.”
You portray Samet Şansalan, a powerful businessman who values his family deeply. How would you describe him?
Burak Sergen: First and foremost, he is a great family man. He is very much involved in his children’s education and makes sure they have the guidance they need to get a good start in life. Samet is a unique character; he has a short temper but once his anger fades, he becomes a fun, cheerful man.
Samet places great importance on family, and Cihan holds a special place for him. However, due to the company’s situation and using his illness as leverage, he’s pressuring Cihan into a marriage he doesn’t want. His relationship with Esat isn’t great either. What are your thoughts on the concepts of family and fatherhood through the character of Samet?
Burak Sergen: Cihan is a great role model for the children, while Esat is quite the opposite. This creates the kind of conflict that can happen in any family. No matter how different the personalities are within a family, the father plays a crucial role in guiding the children on the right path. Even though the mother raises the children, the father’s guidance is key. What I’d like to convey to families through Samet is that fathers should stay neutral towards their children, regardless of their tendencies.
You are in Cappadocia for Valley of Hearts, a truly exceptional place. How is it living and working in Cappadocia?
Burak Sergen: The magical atmosphere of Cappadocia was one of the reasons I accepted this role. Since childhood, I’ve always thought of this place as something otherworldly, especially with the hot air balloons. I’ve worked here before, and every time I return, I see how it continues to grow without losing its charm. In places as magical as this, love stories are filled with excitement too. It’s truly a joy to live and work here.
Valley of Hearts will be introduced at MIPCOM, one of the world’s most important content markets. What would you like to say to your audience in Türkiye and around the world?
Burak Sergen: Turkish series are now watched and in demand worldwide, participating in global fairs and attracting a lot of attention. I’m incredibly happy and proud of this. Back in our time, we didn’t have these kinds of opportunities, but now all the good shows and beautiful stories are getting the recognition and attention they deserve through these fairs. Viewers from different parts of the world can see various regions of Türkiye through these series, either reconnecting with familiar places or discovering new ones. I want to thank all of our global viewers and encourage them to keep watching us.
This interview with Burak Sergen was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.
