NYWIFT Blog

By Daryl Bright Clay

Welcome to NYWIFT, Muriel Omur Ilbas!

After working in television broadcasting, journalism, and advertising over 20 years in France and in Turkey, Muriel specialized in communication strategies and brand management consultancy, executive and intercultural coaching for French, Turkish and global companies as well as NGO’s including the United Nations agencies and the National Democratic Institute based in Washington DC. Since 1997, she produced and directed 10 biographic documentaries of famous Turkish businesspeople, artists and innovators. In recent years, Muriel has prioritized coaching and mentorships, and since 2010, has provided more than 2000 hours of executive, leadership, intercultural and empowerment coaching to worldwide corporate clients.

Get to know her in our latest interview!

Can you tell us about yourself and your creative journey, including the experiences and influences that have shaped your work?

I grew up in a vibrant, multicultural, and multilingual family, which greatly influenced my creative journey. In our household, languages were a bridge to countless worlds, English, French, Turkish, Arabic, and Farsi were not just spoken but celebrated. This diverse linguistic environment and multiple trips in Middle East and Europe sparked my curiosity about different cultures and their stories from a young age.

Our home was also a sanctuary for art and cinema. We would watch films from France, Italy, Egypt, Britain, and the United States, which opened my eyes to the power of storytelling across cultures. These early experiences shaped my appreciation for visual narratives, inspiring me to later explore documentary filmmaking, biographical storytelling, and intercultural coaching.

Throughout my career, I’ve carried this cross-cultural perspective into my work. Whether it’s directing biographical documentaries, teaching communication skills, or providing intercultural coaching, I draw upon this rich tapestry of influences to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. My creative work has always been about bridging cultures and celebrating the universal human experience, something I first learned to value within the walls of my family home.

What inspired you to transition from academia to the television industry as a producer and director?

Note: I started radio broadcasting and tv industry way before academia.

The inspiration to transition from academia to documentaries as a producer and director was rooted in my passion for storytelling and my desire to reach a wider audience. While teaching at Galatasaray University was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to share my knowledge and mentor young minds, I realized that my true passion lay in creating content that could touch people’s lives on a broader scale.

Documentaries offered an unparalleled platform to tell compelling stories and engage diverse audiences. It was an exciting medium where creativity and communication came together to bring narratives to life. My academic background provided me with a strong foundation in research and communication.

This transition was also driven by my fascination with visual storytelling. I wanted to explore how stories could be told not just through words but through images, sound, and emotion. The opportunity to work with exceptional teams and bring untold stories to light, whether it was capturing the essence of individuals, companies, or cultural histories, was both a challenge and a profound creative reward.

What draws you to biographical documentaries, and what stories do you feel are most important to tell?

I am drawn to biographical documentaries because they allow me to explore the intricate layers of human experience, highlighting the triumphs, struggles, and defining moments of individuals. These stories serve as bridges between generations and cultures, offering timeless lessons and inspiration. I am particularly passionate about telling stories of individuals who have left an indelible mark on their industries, communities, or the world at large, whether it’s a pioneering business leader, an artist, or an innovator. By capturing their journeys, I aim to preserve their legacies and celebrate the human spirit.

How do you integrate your teaching & coaching experience into your work as a producer and director?

I am drawn to biographical documentaries because they allow me to explore the intricate layers of human experience, highlighting the triumphs, struggles, and defining moments of individuals. These stories serve as bridges between generations and cultures, offering timeless lessons and inspiration. I am particularly passionate about telling stories of individuals who have left an indelible mark on their industries, communities, or the world at large, whether it’s a pioneering business leader, an artist, or an innovator. By capturing their journeys, I aim to preserve their legacies and celebrate the human spirit.

My teaching and coaching experience deeply influences my approach as a producer and director. When working with subjects or teams, I draw on my coaching skills to foster trust, empathy, and open communication. This ensures that individuals feel comfortable sharing their authentic stories. My teaching background helps me guide teams with clarity and purpose, ensuring everyone understands the creative vision and their role within it. Additionally, I apply intercultural coaching techniques to navigate cultural sensitivities, making my storytelling more inclusive and impactful.

What brought you to NYWIFT?

Joining NYWIFT was a natural step in my creative journey, as I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and the importance of amplifying women’s voices in film and television. NYWIFT provides a dynamic platform to connect with like-minded women who share a passion for storytelling and creating meaningful work. It also allows me to continue learning, share my expertise, and contribute to a community that values diversity, innovation, and creative excellence.

Can you share an experience where intercultural dynamics played a crucial role in a project you were involved in?

One memorable experience was during my time consulting for Groupama, a French insurance company, after their acquisition of a Turkish brand. I served as an intercultural consultant to bridge the gap between French and Turkish corporate cultures, ensuring effective collaboration between teams. By addressing differences in communication styles, decision-making processes, and work ethics, I was able to foster a harmonious working environment. This experience taught me the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in achieving project success, lessons I carry into all my creative and consulting endeavors. I am also very proud of a project I launched with Groupama: a ten-year sponsorship program for the restoration of old Turkish movies in collaboration with Istanbul Film Festival.

What skills do you believe are essential for effective communication in both corporate and creative environments?

Effective communication hinges on clarity, empathy, and adaptability. In corporate environments, clarity ensures that objectives and expectations are understood, while empathy fosters collaboration and trust among team members. Adaptability is crucial, especially in intercultural settings, as it allows you to tailor your approach to different audiences and situations. In creative environments, active listening and storytelling are also essential. Listening ensures that everyone’s ideas are valued, while storytelling helps convey complex ideas in a compelling and relatable way.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your creative journey, and what advice would you offer to emerging filmmakers navigating their own paths?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of resilience and authenticity. The creative journey is rarely linear, and challenges are inevitable, but staying true to your voice and vision is what sets you apart. It’s essential to embrace failure as a steppingstone to growth and to continuously seek inspiration from diverse sources.

To emerging filmmakers, my advice is to never stop learning, whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or life experiences. Build strong networks but also nurture your individuality. Be open to feedback, yet confident in your creative instincts. And most importantly, remember that storytelling is about connection—so tell the stories that move you, because they’re the ones that will resonate most deeply with your audience.

Connect with Muriel Omur Ilbas via the website: https://yourcoachinamerica.com/ as well as her LinkedIn.