“Kanal D International has such a strong legacy in global drama distribution,” says Elif Tatoğlu, Distribution Strategy & Sales Director. As the company prepares to launch its highly anticipated new drama Sins and Roses at MIPCOM 2025, we sat down with Tatoğlu to talk about KDI’s powerful new slate, the lasting global appeal of its library titles, and the growing demand for format sales.
Since this is our first time speaking with you, we would like to get to know you a bit better. You joined Kanal D International about one and a half years ago as Distribution Strategy & Sales Director. How has this journey been so far?
It has been a very dynamic and rewarding journey. Kanal D International has such a strong legacy in global drama distribution, and joining the team has allowed me to contribute to shaping its growth strategy further. Over the past one and a half years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with both our long-standing partners and new collaborators, focusing on expanding our reach, diversifying our sales models, and building stronger synergies between our content and the needs of the international market.
As we approach the end of 2025, how has this year been for Kanal D International? Could you give us a brief recap of the key highlights?
2025 has been a remarkable year for us. We’ve achieved significant growth in both scripted drama distribution and format sales. Our timeless library titles such as Fatmagül, Time Goes By, Forbidden Love and Ruthless City continued to travel successfully, once again proving the lasting global appeal of Turkish storytelling. Looking ahead, we are confident that more of these iconic dramas including Kuzey Güney, Forbidden Love, Fatmagül, and Price of Passion will also find renewed life through local adaptations, further extending their cultural impact.
At the same time, our new dramas are making their mark internationally. One of the most anticipated projects of the season, Sins and Roses, has already generated strong interest. Three Sisters not only sustained its success as a finished drama but also reached a new milestone with its first format adaptation in Kazakhstan, underlining the versatility of our catalogue beyond finished sales. In addition, Farewell Letter, The Family Burden, and Secret of Pearls have all stood out as key highlights of the year.
Together, these achievements reinforce the strength of both our evergreen library and our current slate, ensuring that Turkish drama continues to appeal to audiences worldwide.
I’d like to start with your newest drama, Sins and Roses. How would you describe the series in your own words?
Sins and Roses is about how one hidden truth can suddenly change the course of life, arriving just when you believe you have an ideal family and a perfect future. At its heart, the series explores love, betrayal, family, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. We witness the unexpected bond between a man betrayed and closed off from love, and a carefree young woman at the beginning of her life – a connection that will transform not only them but also everyone around them. With characters each driven by their own desires and flaws, Sins and Roses delivers a story that is both powerful and deeply human.
This year, our spotlight is on Sins and Roses, a highly emotional, character-driven drama that blends love, family ties, hidden secrets, and intrigue -the kind of universal storytelling that can captivate audiences anywhere.
Sins and Roses certainly comes with strong star power, with Murat Yıldırım and Cemre Baysel leading the cast, and it also carries very universal themes. How do you see its international journey unfolding?
Produced by NGM, the powerhouse behind recent global successes such as Kardeşlerim (For My Family) and Sefirin Kızı (The Ambassador’s Daughter), the series comes with a proven track record in delivering dramas that resonate internationally. Murat has long been one of the most recognizable faces of Turkish drama, known for iconic roles in series such as Asi (Rebellious), Ramo, and Aziz, which earned him both critical acclaim and a loyal international following. Cemre, on the other hand, represents the new wave of Turkish talent. She has quickly risen from supporting roles to award-winning leads in popular dramas like Elimi Bırakma (Hold My Hand), Baht Oyunu (Twist of Fate), and Leyla, capturing audiences with her fresh energy and screen presence.
Beyond the cast and creative team, the themes at the heart of Sins and Roses -love, betrayal, family, guilt, and second chances- are universal, giving the series strong potential to appeal to audiences across cultures and borders.
Let’s continue with format sales. The format licensing of Three Sisters to Kazakhstan was a milestone. What does this deal mean for Kanal D International?
It was indeed a proud moment for us. Three Sisters is one of our most beloved dramas, and seeing it reinterpreted in a new cultural context shows the global adaptability of our stories. This deal strengthens our position in the format business and demonstrates the versatility of Turkish dramas in being localized for different markets.
Which of your titles have travelled as formats so far, and which others do you see as having strong potential for future format sales?
In addition to Three Sisters, several of our dramas have sparked strong interest in format discussions, including Time Goes By and Secret of Pearls. We also have a proven track record of successful adaptations worldwide. To name just a few: Fatmagül, Forbidden Love, Ruthless City, War of the Roses, Gümüş, L.O.V.E., My Mom, A Night in June, and Price of Passion. An Arabic adaptation of Time Goes By is now in production, and across various territories we are already in advanced discussions for Kuzey Güney.
Looking ahead, we see tremendous potential in further adaptations for Price of Passion and The Family Burden, particularly for their universal family dynamics, as well as in Sins and Roses, whose strong character-driven conflicts can be successfully adapted across many different cultures.
Your library titles such as Fatmagül, Time Goes By, Forbidden Love, and Kuzey Güney continue to travel successfully. How do you explain their lasting appeal after so many years?
These titles have become classics of Turkish drama. The reason they remain relevant is simple: they tell deeply human stories with emotional intensity and the characters feel real. Themes like love, justice, betrayal, and family resonate with audiences everywhere. Additionally, the high production quality and unforgettable performances have ensured their place in viewers’ hearts.
A key strategic priority for us is to expand our presence in format sales. Buyers are increasingly seeking adaptable stories, and Kanal D International’s catalogue stands out as one of the richest and most versatile in Turkish drama.
On the other hand, Secret of Pearls is preparing for its third season. How do you see this title evolving internationally as it enters S3?
Secret of Pearls is preparing for its third season, which in itself is a testament to the strength of its story. While the series has a more defined audience, its narrative remains powerful and emotionally engaging. For international markets, this means there is potential for channels and platforms looking for character-driven drama with depth and continuity. As it enters its third season, we see it as a solid title with clear appeal for partners who value strong storytelling and emotional resonance.
Could you also tell us more about The Family Burden’s international journey so far?
The Family Burden has been very well-received internationally. Its combination of love and heartfelt family drama makes it appealing across diverse markets. It touches on relatable themes of generational conflict, love, and everyday struggles, which are easy for audiences worldwide to connect with. We’ve seen growing demand, and we believe its journey is just beginning.
Now, we are here at MIPCOM, one of the most important content markets of the year. What are your main goals for this year’s edition?
Our main goal at MIPCOM is to strengthen global partnerships by offering a portfolio that balances powerful new stories with proven classics from our catalogue. This year, our spotlight is on Sins and Roses, a highly emotional, character-driven drama that blends love, family ties, hidden secrets, and intrigue -the kind of universal storytelling that can captivate audiences anywhere. With the star power of Murat Yıldırım and Cemre Baysel, together with the strong track record of producer NGM, we believe it has all the elements to travel successfully across markets.
At the same time, a key strategic priority for us is to expand our presence in format sales. Buyers are increasingly seeking adaptable stories, and Kanal D International’s catalogue stands out as one of the richest and most versatile in Turkish drama. Timeless titles such as Fatmagül, Forbidden Love, Time Goes By, Price of Passion, Ruthless City, Three Sisters, and Kuzey Güney continue to hold strong potential for local adaptations, following the success of previous remakes. We expect more of these classics to be reimagined in new cultures, reinforcing their global relevance.
With a slate that combines fresh, star-driven dramas and evergreen library titles ready for adaptation, our goal at MIPCOM is clear: to connect with partners looking for both immediate hits and long-term stories with lasting value.
Do you have any special events, screenings, or panels planned for MIPCOM?
Instead of a traditional screening, we’re inviting our partners to join us for a special party at Carlton Beach with the stars of Sins and Roses, Cemre Baysel and Murat Yıldırım. It’s not only a chance to celebrate the launch of this exciting new title, but also a unique opportunity for our guests to meet the cast in person and connect in a more relaxed, festive atmosphere by the sea. We wanted to bring people together around the stories and talent that make Turkish drama so special.
This exclusive interview with Elif Tatoğlu was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2025 issue.
