Kerem Bürsin on ‘Blue Cave’: Love, Magic and Power of Storytelling – Exclusive Interview

Blue Cave is a Prime Video Original film directed by Altan Dönmez. We spoke with lead actor Kerem Bürsin about the newly released film to gain insight into its creation. Bürsin, who co-wrote the screenplay with Osman Kaya, shared his thoughts on the project’s origins, his perspective on love, and the mystical elements that serve as the film’s central theme.

Kerem Bürsin: “Those close to me know well that storytelling has always been something I’ve devoted my time into, almost obsessively, doing it with passion, curiosity, excitement, and joy. I’m in love with and fascinated by every part of filmmaking; I’m one of those who believes in its magic.”

We usually direct our questions to you as an actor, but this time, how does it feel to be the creator of a story?

Kerem Bürsin: In short, it’s an incredible feeling. To create a story, the characters, the world, and then see it all come to life, it’s indescribable, in my opinion. Those close to me know well that storytelling has always been something I’ve devoted my time into, almost obsessively, doing it with passion, curiosity, excitement, and joy. I’m in love with and fascinated by every part of filmmaking; I’m one of those who believes in its magic.

How did this journey begin? I’m really curious about the creative process. Did you join an existing project, or did you already have a story you wanted to bring to life?

Kerem Bürsin: Honestly, we were just wrapping up a project I had been working on for years. It was something we called Bi’Tuhaf Hikaye, a collaboration with Osman Kaya, and a world completely different from something like Blue Cave. In the meantime, I’d received an offer for a project that had romantic nuances, and I do understand why I get offered work like that. But, if I’m being honest, I was looking for something a bit deeper, with a bit more playfulness, though I couldn’t quite convey that at the time.

As soon as I got back from the meeting, I decided to write a story to express what I had in mind. I asked myself what kind of story about love I would want to tell and how I’d want to tell it, and that’s how this story came to life. I immediately sketched out the entire story, scene by scene, in my notebook.

Then, I sat down with Osman Kaya (my close friend, an incredible director, and someone I co-write every project with) and we wrote the first draft in a week. For me, this project just flowed naturally. Yet, I never thought I’d write a love story in my life. I remember that Osman Kaya and I kept joking about this as we wrote. But now, I’m glad it happened.

Cem is one of your most emotional performances to date. What kind of preparation did you go through to bring Cem’s emotional journey to the screen, and were there any particularly challenging moments?

Kerem Bürsin: Playing Cem wasn’t exactly an easy five weeks. He’s a character with a lot of emotional weight, and the complexity of his situation was tough to handle. Of course, we had fun on set, but constantly diving into those emotions was draining. On one hand, writing the story and creating the character made things easier, but on the other, knowing the character so deeply and bringing that depth to life was incredibly challenging.

We usually see you in charismatic businessman roles, but in Blue Cave, you’re portraying a soldier.

Kerem Bürsin: I’d say it’s one of the most mature roles I’ve played. His soul feels older, and the weight of his situation is heavier than any character I’ve taken on before.

The film has a mystical atmosphere intertwined with Cem’s personal journey. In your view, how do these mystical elements enhance the emotional depth and story? I ask because I think they make it feel more real.

Kerem Bürsin: When we pay attention, life actually offers us so much, but if we don’t know how to look, we miss it. I agree with your last point; it’s something I truly believe. I think it’s a fine line because you want to include these hints, yet you don’t want the audience to become aware of them. Watching it a second time, though, you realize that everything is laid out there for both the audience and for Cem. We aim to make the audience experience what the character is going through.

You have a large international fanbase. Throughout the year, I follow TV/ content fairs in various countries, and you’re one of the rare actors who is eagerly sought out by name. Blue Cave will be released globally on Prime Video. How do you think international audiences will connect with this film, especially considering the emotional journey of your character?

Kerem Bürsin: I hope they like it. I put a lot of effort into making the stories I write truly universal, and that’s something I value deeply. This approach opens up many possibilities. Love is a universal theme after all. And I think we’ve all had moments where we look back on our lives and realize how quickly time has passed. We often postpone our dreams and the things we want to do, but is it worth it?

You originally wanted to film inside the cave, but backed out when you realized it was seal birthing season, a truly admirable choice that everyone should know about. So, where is the puppy that kept you company during filming now?

Kerem Bürsin: Yes, when we set out by boat to explore the Blue Cave, two incredible people approached us and explained the situation with the caves in the area. These people have been protecting the caves for years. As soon as our director and dear friend Altan Dönmez heard, he was one of the first to drop the idea of using the real cave. It was truly an incredible decision, and I’m so glad we made it.

We hope people will respect this and avoid visiting the area. As for adopting the puppy, Devrim and I were both tempted. Someone did end up taking him, and we found out they’re trustworthy. I hope he’s having a very happy and wonderful life.

Romantic movies aren’t made as often these days. I think it partly reflects changing views on love and the focus on individual lives. As fewer people believe in lasting love, what’s your view on whether love can be timeless?

Kerem Bürsin: I think, of course, we meet people we admire, care for, and create beautiful memories with, but I’m not sure if we can define today’s concept of love as classic, old-fashioned love. I don’t even know if there are people that truly want to experience that kind of love anymore. To me, love is about both luck and patience. In a life moving at such a fast pace, finding it is genuinely difficult. But I do believe in the timelessness of love, and if you’re able to find it, you’re incredibly lucky.

This exclusive interview with Kerem Bürsin was featured in Episode Magazine’s DICM 2024 issue.