Meet Naz Tokgoz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Naz Tokgoz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Naz with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my intrinsic drive and the realities of the arts industry. In such a competitive and demanding field, consistent self-motivation is essential. Often times the only way opportunities can arise is from one’s own initiative, so it’s incredibly crucial to stay proactive and persistent. I’m already a pretty determined person, but combining that with the industry’s own challenges, I’ve cultivated a disciplined and resilient approach to my work. This commitment ensures that I not only meet expectations but continually strive to exceed them.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an actor/writer/producer, though embracing those titles has been a journey in itself. For a long time, I felt I needed to “earn” the right to call myself that- a mindset I’m actively unlearning. I fell in love with storytelling when I was a child- first through theatre, then through film, which was rooted from the desire to inspire others as profoundly as art has inspired me. I believe empathy is one of our most powerful qualities, and witnessing an audience connect deeply with a character- a complete stranger- just showed me transformative power of storytelling. I come from a Turkish background, a place where stories are not just entertainment, but part of daily life- used to pass on history, offer healing, and understand the world. Stories have been told for thousands of years, and I want to add my touch to it- because ultimately, I think it’s what build our foundations. I’ve always believed that the ones we choose to tell, and how we choose to tell them, shape the way people see themselves and others. That belief has guided every step of my journey so far.

After studying theatre, I slowly began creating my own work, and worked across both film and stage. Most recently, however, I completed my short film, Krizalit, a project that spanned two continents- filmed in New York City and my hometown, Istanbul, where the film was also shot. The short delves into my personal relationship with Istanbul, its people, and the complexities of love in such a multifaceted city.

The film originated from a question I struggled to articulate: How do we love in places that teach us not to? Not just romantic love, but love that is open, full, and unguarded. This question became the undercurrent of every frame, every silence, every lingering glance. Istanbul is in every shot of this film, and yet it’s not just about Istanbul. It’s about anywhere that makes you feel like you can be almost everything- just not quite. I think we tried to capture that in-between. Not resolve it, not explain it. Just sit with it. Let it breathe.

There’s no tidy resolution at the end of Krizalit, and that’s intentional. Stories, much like cities, don’t always offer closure. They invite us to sit with complexity, to find peace in the spaces between. This philosophy guides my work: to tell stories that don’t necessarily resolve but resonate- prompting reflection, connection, and ultimately, empathy for those whom we may have not seen otherwise.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Determination: The arts industry is inherently challenging and competitive. Determination has been my anchor. It’s what drove me to persist through auditions, rejections, and the uncertainties that come with creative pursuits. It’s about staying committed to your craft and continually pushing forward, even when the path isn’t clear. For those starting out, I recommend regularly reminding yourself of your ‘why’- the passion and purpose that led you to this field. This internal motivation will fuel your perseverance during tough times.

2. Kindness: In an industry where collaboration is key, kindness goes a long way. Every individual you meet has their own struggles and aspirations. Approaching interactions with empathy and respect not only fosters good relationships but also creates a supportive environment conducive to creativity. Remember, our work often aims to resonate with others; cultivating genuine connections enhances that resonance.

3. Adaptability: The creative landscape is ever-evolving due to technological advancements, cultural shifts, global events, etc. Adaptability has been key in allowing me to navigate these changes, whether it’s embracing new storytelling mediums or adjusting to different production environments. For emerging artists, staying curious and open to learning is crucial. Engage with diverse experiences, seek feedback, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. This flexibility not only broadens your skill set but also enhances your resilience in the face of change.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past year, my most significant growth has been in cultivating the confidence to advocate for myself and uphold my artistic vision. The journey of creating my own film required me to consistently validate and communicate my ideas to various stakeholders. This process taught me the importance of articulating clearly who I am, what I need, and why my perspective is valid. While it can be exhausting to continuously assert oneself, I’ve learned that self-advocacy is essential- no one else can champion your vision if you don’t first believe in it yourself. This experience has overall just reinforced my trust in my creative instincts and my ability to stand firmly behind my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17283186/?ref_=ttfc_rvi_i_4 , https://www.backstage.com/u/naz-tokgoz/

Image Credits

In order, Naz Tokgöz (headhsot with green top), Bruce Milton (headshot with purple top), Moon Choi (forest photos in white dress), Mete Gültiken (all other cinematic shots, derived from the movie Krizalit)