Emre Bey at Venice: On the Red Carpet with Hatemoğlu

L'Officiel Arabia: What does this moment of being in representing Hatemoğlu, mean to you as an actor and as a person?
Emre Bey: The Venice Film Festival is a stage where the heart of cinema beats. To be there as the face of Hatemoğlu, a brand that has been a pioneer in men’s fashion since 1924 and the first menswear brand in the history of the Republic, is an indescribable honor. Wearing the Hatemoğlu tuxedo specially designed for this festival represents not only elegance but also flawless comfort and a sense of exclusivity. You’re carrying not just a garment, but the labor of craftsmanship spanning over a century. For me, this is an important milestone in my acting journey and one of the most special reminders of following my dreams.

You’ve long dreamed of having a film you star in shown at a major festival. How close do you feel to realizing that dream now?
I feel very close. The fact that the efforts I’ve put in for such a long time are finding recognition on this kind of platform is an indescribable joy. It’s not just about realizing a dream; it also inspires me to look toward the future with even bigger dreams.

Ayşe Tatil’e Çıktı has been called a turning point for you. What about its story or atmosphere moved you most?
When I first read the script, I felt a very human and very real story. Ali’s inner journey, his confrontations with himself, and his breaking points deeply moved me. When you watch the film, you’re essentially witnessing Ali’s journey. Moreover, our director Özer Feyzioğlu’s vision made this project even more special. The freedom he gave his actors and his approach to cinema created a very powerful atmosphere. That’s why this film wasn’t just a job for me, it was a very valuable experience.

Your next project, Velvet Handcuffs, casts you as a commissioner for the first time. What has your prep been like, for this role?
First, I try to understand the world of the character. A commissioner role embodies discipline and authority, but also human vulnerability. I did both field research and psychological preparation for the role. This character has a very different story compared to many I’ve played before. For example, in one of my earlier projects, I portrayed a criminal. Now I’m chasing criminals. So this role offers me a new kind of challenge as an actor.

From Adı Efsane to period pieces and contemporary series, you’ve covered range. Which role would you say has challenged you the most?
The most challenging role was definitely Ali in Ayşe Tatil’e Çıktı. Because Ali’s emotional journey was so deep that I had to act from the very core of my heart. I had to approach those scenes with complete raw truth. That’s why it was both the most demanding and the most formative experience for me.

Sport has been a significant anchor for you; how does your athletic discipline shape your work on set?
Sports gave me not only physical but also mental discipline. In acting, working long hours, keeping up with an intense pace, and always being ready is possible thanks to the endurance and patience I gained from sports. The confidence I’ve gained through sports also shows itself on stage.”

You’ve been into fitness, martial arts and football; which is your go-to athletic activity that grounds you the best?
Football has always been a part of my life, but fitness represents me more. Because it’s a completely individual journey; you push your own limits and observe your own growth. This is also the approach I embrace in acting.

You’ve also mentioned windsurfing and kitesurfing being on your wish list. If you hadn’t become an actor, would you have pursued a career in sport?
Absolutely yes. Sports have always been at the center of my life. If not acting, I would definitely have pursued something related to sports. Because sports gave me discipline, patience, and the desire for continuous self-improvement.

Beyond the festival, Italy beckons: Rome, Lake Como. What excites you most about this first visit?
Italy has always fascinated me with its culture and history. I really want to experience the streets of Rome and the nature of Lake Como. These cities will inspire me personally as well.

Since you call the sets and the stage a “school, ” what would you say have been your greatest lessons?
My biggest lesson has been patience. I learned to wait, manage time, and adapt to team spirit on set. Also, sharing the stage with master actors has given me so much; watching their experience has been an invaluable kind of school for me.

As the face of Hatemoğlu, how do you define style?
Style is a form of expression for me. Just as it’s important to portray characters authentically in acting, in real life your style reflects you. My collaboration with Hatemoğlu is very special at this point, because since 1924 they’ve offered men not just clothing, but an attitude and timeless elegance. Hatemoğlu’s masterfully designed lines reinforce confidence not only in daily life but also on set and on stage. Style and performance are two areas that actually complement each other, and the Hatemoğlu collection provides this integrity in the strongest way.

And lastly, looking ahead, what’s driving you, both professionally and personally? What motivates me most is the sense of growth and curiosity. In acting, I want to challenge myself with different roles, and as a person, I want to keep learning something new from life. Enjoying the journey itself is my greatest source of inspiration.