Red Circle

Umut, on the verge of losing the boundaries between reality and imagination, is deeply captivated by horror and thriller books. One day, he purchases a book titled “The Fifth Victim” from a bookstore. Upon returning home, the impact of the stories he reads begins to manifest in his subconscious, creating a fictional serial killer figure. In his dreams, he envisions the mysterious man he encountered at the bookstore as a stalker determined to hunt him down.

As the line between dream and reality blurs, Umut grows increasingly unsettled by calls from an unknown number. In one of his dreams, he hears the chilling words, “You are my fifth victim,” which intensifies both his inner fears and the horrifying grip of his subconscious. After waking from what seems to be a nightmare, Umut tries to reassure himself that it was just a dream, only to receive another call from the same unknown number in real life. This time, paralyzed by fear, he cannot answer. The unending cycle of terror traps him at the edge of reality.

This gripping psychological thriller explores the unsettling impact of one’s inner fears on the external world, offering a chilling depiction of the mind’s ability to distort reality.

  • Batuhan Karakaya
    Director
  • Umut Can Kemerkaya
    Writer
  • Batuhan Karakaya
    Writer
  • Taner Boybeyi
    Writer
  • Batuhan Karakaya
    Producer
  • Taner Boybeyi
    Producer
  • Umut Can Kemerkaya
    Producer
  • Umut Can Kemerkaya
    Key Cast
    "Umut"
  • Taner Boybeyi
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Kırmızı Çember
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 18, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 TRY
  • Country of Origin:
    Turkey
  • Country of Filming:
    Turkey
  • Language:
    Turkish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Ordu University
Director Biography - Batuhan Karakaya

Batuhan Karakaya was born in 2001 in Kayseri, Turkey. Currently pursuing his education at Ordu University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Cinema and Television, Karakaya is dedicated to developing a distinctive cinematic language. His debut short film, "Kozalak" (The Pine Cone), showcased his artistic vision and storytelling depth, garnering attention.

As a director, he aims to use cinematography as a tool for creating awareness, offering audiences unique perspectives, and inspiring deeper thought. With his artistic vision and innovative approach, Karakaya strives to leave a lasting mark on the world of cinema.

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Director Statement

"As a filmmaker, I strive to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination. This film is a reflection of my fascination with the subconscious and its ability to shape our fears and perceptions. Through visual storytelling, I aimed to create a cinematic experience that provokes thought, evokes emotion, and blurs the line between what is real and what is imagined."