Paranormal events occur during shooting of first Turkish horror film

Diyarbakir’s historic Sur district serves as the setting for the city’s first horror film, “Cintihar.”

The film is produced by Vural Vural, Yekta Ener Guven, and Muhsin Duran, with Tolga Ozturk directing. It draws from real-life events, features numerous paranormal phenomena, and is scheduled to premiere in October.

Vural explained that filming began around 45 days ago and is now in its final stages. “We have encountered many paranormal events since we started filming,” Vural said. “We are eagerly awaiting the film’s release in October.”

Paranormal incidents on set while filming Turkish thriller

The film marks a significant step in Diyarbakir’s entry into the horror genre. Guven emphasized that “Cintihar” is the first horror film shot in Diyarbakir. “This is my second film project, and we chose Diyarbakir for its unique atmosphere,” Guven said.

“We filmed 90% of the movie in the historic Sur district, using local actors. The movie will be approximately 90 minutes long,” he explained.

Set incidents added an intriguing layer to the project. Vural noted that crew experienced unusual events, which he initially dismissed as myths.

“We thought these stories were just tales, but from day one, we faced strange incidents. Doors slammed shut by themselves, and objects were mysteriously knocked over. Some actors even behaved out of character,” Vural explained.

Turkish thriller ‘Cintihar’s plot, cultural significance

The storyline of “Cintihar” revolves around a classic Muslim jinn narrative, enriched with paranormal events.

“The film follows a handsome man and the women who fall in love with him, with paranormal activities occurring throughout. The set itself has been a hotspot for these unexplained phenomena, adding to the overall eerie experience,” Guven mentioned.

The decision to film in Diyarbakir was deliberate, aiming to bring local culture and settings to the forefront. Guven shared, “We wanted a local touch, and since this type of film had never been made here before, it felt right to shoot in Diyarbakir. We believe it will be well-received.”

The team prepares for its final days of shooting as the project nears completion. Despite the challenges, the production has reportedly been a rewarding experience for the crew.

Guven expressed a positive outlook for future projects, hoping to continue creating films that resonate with cultural significance.