I met Şeref Gür during my early youth. He was one of the first filmmakers I have ever met. At the time, he was the accounting manager of Erman Film. Later on, he became its general director. He founded Şeref Film in 1958. He produced unforgettable classics of our cinema such as Kurbanlık Katil, Vesikalı Yarim / My Prostitute Love, Ses, Pehlivan / The Wrestler, Düttürü Dünya, Yoksul. He worked with such prominent directors as Lütfi Ö. Akad, Atıf Yılmaz, and Zeki Ökten. He was highly instrumental in Yılmaz Güney’s ascent to lead roles. In 1959, Erman Film was about to adapt a story by Yaşar Kemal into a film called Ala Geyik. One day, Yılmaz Güney knocks on Yaşar Kemal’s door and tells him that he wants to play the lead in the film. Kemal, who didn’t like any of the actors that were brought in to play the part, looks at Yılmaz from head to toe and says: “You got it, Yılmaz. I was really thinking of an actor with your looks.” He calls Atıf Yılmaz, the director of the film. He shares his thoughts. Atıf Yılmaz objects, but Yaşar Kemal insists. Together they go to Erman Film and that is when Şeref Gür steps in. The three of them argue extensively. Şeref Gür and Atıf Yılmaz go to see Mr. Hürrem Erman, the owner of Erman Film. He calmly tells them: “I don’t care who you choose. You are responsible for this decision. You will face the consequences.” Eventually, through their decision and the responsibility they incurred, they have bestowed a great filmmaker such as Yılmaz Güney to Turkish Cinema. Just for this reason alone, their ... ntribution will always be unforgettable. -Arif Keskiner