Esra Dermancıoğlu on ‘Valley of Hearts’ – Exclusive Interview

When you first read Valley of Hearts, what did it make you feel, and what aspects of the project impressed you the most?

Esra Dermancıoğlu: When I first read Valley of Hearts, I was truly struck by the depth of the script and the internal conflicts of the characters. Powerful and diverse representation of the female characters especially increased my interest in the project. Especially Hikmet’s story felt both familiar and captivating to me. The challenges, ambitions, fears, and loneliness she experienced impacted me deeply. What intrigued me the most was how each character faced sharp turning points in their lives.

Hikmet is a woman who’s been through a tough marriage and risen from poverty. She’s pushing her daughter into a marriage she doesn’t want, hoping to maintain the life her brother has provided and protect her from facing the same struggles. How would you describe Hikmet?

Esra Dermancıoğlu: I see Hikmet as a very authentic character. It’s hard to define her with just one word because she’s both strong and fragile. She’s driven, but her ambitions are completely rooted in her fears. Her desire to protect her daughter sometimes makes her harsh, but underneath that harshness is a deep sense of desperation. She also has a naive and lonely side to her, because while chasing so many things, she finds it hard to trust anyone and ends up carrying all the burden on her own.

We see three different representations of motherhood in Valley of Hearts through the characters Sumru, Nihayet, and Hikmet. What do you think they will make the audience reflect on regarding the concept of motherhood, which is always controversial from different perspectives?

Esra Dermancıoğlu: The different representations of motherhood force us to face the realities we frequently encounter in society but rarely talk about. Mothers like Hikmet make extreme sacrifices to secure their children’s future, sometimes neglecting their own happiness in the process.  Characters like Sumru have been forced to leave some of their children behind in the face of harsh realities yet try to maintain a strong bond with others. Nihayet represents a mother who tries to assert her power over her family. The motherhood perspectives of these three characters will make viewers question: Does a mother always do what’s best? And how does she balance her own beliefs with her children’s happiness?

What were the first reactions from the audience about Hikmet and Valley of Hearts? Where do you think the show and the character of Hikmet connect most with the viewers?

Esra Dermancıoğlu: The first reactions were very positive, especially about Hikmet. I’ve gotten a lot of different feedback about her. Viewers like how complex she is, because there’s always a reason behind her actions. Some people think her actions are justified, while others see her as ruthless. This constant moral dilemma keeps the audience in a state of self-reflection as they watch the show which grabs viewers with its emotional depth and the realistic struggles between the characters. Hikmet’s maternal instincts and the tough choices she makes for her daughter remind people of the difficult decisions they’ve had to make in their own lives.

Esra Dermancıoğlu: “The first reactions were very positive, especially about Hikmet. I’ve gotten a lot of different feedback about her. Viewers like how complex she is, because there’s always a reason behind her actions.”

You are in Cappadocia for Valley of Hearts, a truly exceptional place. How is it living and working in Cappadocia?

Esra Dermancıoğlu: Cappadocia is truly a unique place. Working here makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of both history and nature. The atmosphere perfectly aligns with the dark and dramatic tone of the series. While filming in such a setting, you can dive deeper into the character’s emotions and complexities. It’s a process that comes with its challenges and beauties, but working here has been incredibly inspiring.

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?

Esra Dermancıoğlu: Valley of Hearts addresses universal themes, not just for Turkish viewers but for an international audience as well. It focuses on deep subjects like motherhood, power, ambition, love, and sacrifice, issues that everyone can relate to in some way. I hope viewers will recognize similar emotions and conflicts from their own lives as they watch our story. I believe many will especially connect with our strong female characters.

Esra Dermancıoğlu: For years, the international distribution of shows I’ve been in has allowed me to build connections with other countries. Being recognized and appreciated by audiences, especially in Italy and Spain, is incredibly meaningful to me. In fact, there have been times when characters I’ve portrayed have appeared on magazine covers in Spain without me even knowing. Being recognized abroad and representing Türkiye in this way is a very important and rewarding experience for me.

This interview with Esra Dermancıoğlu was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.