“In 2026, we aim to strengthen Calinos Entertainment’s global presence by expanding both our Turkish and international content portfolio,” says Gamze Besler, Sales Manager for CIS, Baltics, and Asia Pacific at Calinos Entertainment. She joins us in our ATF 2025 issue to evaluate 2025 for Calinos, discussing market highlights and growing opportunities across Asia and beyond.
As we approach the end of 2025, how would you describe this year overall for Calinos Entertainment?
2025 has been a dynamic and rewarding year for us. We’ve continued to strengthen our presence in global markets, introduced new titles with strong international appeal, and improved partnerships with both long-standing and new collaborators. Despite an increasingly competitive landscape, Turkish content continues to travel widely. And we’re proud to be part of that continued success.
Looking back, you’ve participated in numerous international content markets throughout the year. Which ones have been especially strong or successful for Calinos?
Each market has its own unique energy, but this year MIP Cancun, Content Americas and MIPCOM stood out in terms of activity and deal flow. We saw particularly strong interest from Europe, Latin America, and Asia, which shows how universal Turkish storytelling has become. These events also allowed us to reconnect with partners in person and explore new collaborations beyond traditional licensing.
You launched Lies After Lies at this year’s MIPCOM. How has the series been received so far?
The response has been excellent. Lies After Lies caught the attention of buyers thanks to its powerful story, emotional depth, and strong performances. Many have highlighted how it blends the classic intensity of Turkish dramas with the layered storytelling of the original Korean format. We’re already in discussions with several territories, which is a very encouraging start.
Gamze Besler: ATF is always an important meeting point for Calinos Entertainment to connect with Asian partners, and this year we aim to strengthen those ties even further. We’re showcasing a diverse lineup that appeals to different audiences and exploring collaborations that go beyond distribution, including remakes and strategic partnerships. Our main goal is to build lasting relationships that carry into 2026 and beyond.
Lies After Lies is a remake of the hit Korean drama Lie After Lie. In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing number of Asian titles being adapted for Turkish television. Why do you think Asian stories resonate so well with Turkish audiences?
Asian dramas often explore themes that deeply connect with Turkish audiences such as family, love, sacrifice, and justice. There’s also a strong emotional rhythm and moral complexity that mirrors the tone of Turkish storytelling. When adapted with local differences, these stories feel both fresh and familiar, allowing them to reach a wide audience at home and abroad.
We’re now here at ATF 2025. How do you view the growing interest from the Asian market, and what kind of opportunities does it present for Turkish content?
The Asian market is becoming increasingly significant for Turkish producers and distributors. We see more platforms and broadcasters in the region actively seeking premium international dramas. For us, this means opportunities not only for sales but also for format exchanges and creative partnerships. Asia values emotional storytelling, and that aligns perfectly with the Turkish drama tradition.
Which titles or genres in your lineup tend to attract the most attention from Asian buyers and platforms?
Strong female-led dramas and emotional family stories continue to perform very well. Titles that combine universal emotions with strong moral dilemmas like Woman, Forbidden Fruit, Our Story, Farah have found loyal audiences in Asia. There’s also a growing interest in romantic comedies and youth dramas, which offer a lighter and more modern side of Turkish storytelling
What are your company’s strategic priorities and goals for 2026?
In 2026, we aim to strengthen Calinos Entertainment’s global presence by expanding both our Turkish and international content portfolio. Alongside our successful Turkish dramas, we’re investing in high-quality productions from other markets including Canada, Serbia, and Romania to diversify our catalogue and appeal to a broader audience base. We also plan to focus on strategic partnerships that allow us to bring unique, globally relevant stories to viewers worldwide. Our goal is to continue evolving as a truly international content company while staying true to our storytelling roots.
Finally, what are your main goals and expectations for ATF 2025?
ATF is always an important meeting point for Calinos Entertainment to connect with Asian partners, and this year we aim to strengthen those ties even further. We’re showcasing a diverse lineup that appeals to different audiences and exploring collaborations that go beyond distribution, including remakes and strategic partnerships. Our main goal is to build lasting relationships that carry into 2026 and beyond.
This exclusive interview was featured in Episode Magazine’s ATF 2025 issue.
