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WALK OF IRIS

“Walk of Iris” is a 20-minute documentary that intimately follows the powerful journey of Iris, a resilient trans activist based in Istanbul.

Filmed over 1.5 years, the documentary captures her determined efforts to fight for equality in the face of systemic oppression, while offering an unfiltered look at the personal struggles behind her public persona.

From protests to public speeches, Iris’s voice emerges as a symbol of courage and defiance, standing up for the rights of her community in a society that often silences them.

The director, who served not only as filmmaker but also as producer, editor, and sole crew, takes an intimate and deeply personal approach. Through her lens, we see Iris not only as an activist but as a complex individual—balancing public activism with private struggles. The film captures not only her fight and courage but also her inner strength and the vulnerability behind it.

"The director aims for the audience not just to witness Iris’s life, but to understand and experience the world through her eyes, reflecting the deep connection that developed between the filmmaker and Iris throughout the patient, dedicated work that went into this project.”

  • Burcu Güler
    Director
  • Burcu Güler
    Writer
  • İris Leyla Pamukçu
    Writer
  • Burcu Güler
    Producer
  • İris Leyla Pamukçu
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Turkey
  • Country of Filming:
    Turkey
  • Language:
    Turkish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Burcu Güler

Born in 1985, Turkey.

Graduating with a degree in Communication from Istanbul University, she ventured into the intricate realm of visual narratives.

For over a decade, she has lent her expertise as a freelance assistant director for TV commercials, refining her craft in visual storytelling.
In addition to her directorial pursuits, she possesses a second skill set as a freelance videographer, specializing in fashion and commercial content creation, where she expertly handles filming and editing.

In 2019, she embraced a new artistic avenue, delving into documentary filmmaking. Wearing multiple hats as a producer, cinematographer, director, and editor for her own projects. Her debut documentary, "Walk of İris," is an 20-minute short that showcases her storytelling prowess and dedication to capturing authentic narratives.

Currently, she is deeply involved in overseeing the post-production of her upcoming documentary, "Ride Your Freedom," slated for release in 2025. This compelling film focuses on the lives of women who have transformed their existence through the use of motorcycles in Istanbul, shedding light on their empowering stories of change and liberation.

Balancing her directorial endeavors with her involvement in commercial projects, she discovers a harmonious synergy that keeps her creativity thriving and expertise evolving.

Looking ahead, she envisions a future teeming with more evocative documentaries, with her freelance engagements continuing to be the wellspring of her creativity and experience. For her, filmmaking isn't just a profession and a passion to storytelling—it's a relentless pursuit, and a conduit to authentically portray the intricacies of human existence.

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Director Statement

Over the span of 1.5 years, I had the privilege of documenting Iris, a young trans woman activist living in İstanbul, as she navigated the complexities of her life, her advocacy, and her identity.

Being behind the camera wasn't just about observing her story; experiencing the details of her life with her was a truly fulfilling directorial experience for me.

Through this film, I do not only show Iris's powerful presence at protests but also the daily struggles she faces. Walking through the streets, being visible and raising her voice is a constant challenge. Yet, Iris’s resilience and determination in the face of these obstacles make her more than just an activist; she becomes a source of inspiration.

I can clearly say that I had also a unique film editing experience as both the director and editor of this film, thanks to an editing style that evolved and solidified with the project.”

"Walk of Iris" is more than just a documentary, it’s absolutely a journey for me.