After studying International Relations at Tufts University, Melisa continued her studies with Film Studies at Istanbul Bilgi University. She was one of the founding members of the photographer’s collective; Recollective which published artist books. She has been writing and directing shorts, feature films and documentaries since 2007.

Her documentary “Me and Nuri Bala” (Ben ve Nuri Bala, 2009) received Best First Documentary Awards from Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, her debut “Seaburners” (“Kumun Tadi”2014) receieved Best Director at “Olhares de Mediteraneo” Film Festival and premiered at the 64th International Berlin Film Festival, Forum Section. Her second feature “Suddenly” (“Aniden” 2022) has premiered at Tokyo International Film Festival and will be having it’s European Premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam (2023).

Selected Exhibitions & Publications

Monomit II, Galeri NEV (Ankara, 2018), Les Glaneurs et Les Glaneuses, Versus Art Gallery (İstanbul, 2016) Uncanny Encounters” (Istanbul Modern Art Museum 2011), Photomed (Sanary, France, 2011), “Musee du quai Branly”, Paris,“Not a Lens But a Prism” (Portugal, 2010), “Women Who Run with the Wolves” (Stimultania Gallery, Turkish artists in Strasbourg, 2009)

Her work has been published in “Future Images” 24Ore Motto Cultura Publications (Milan), “Creative Review” (UK), “Contemporary Graphic Design” by Taschen (in collaboration with Aylin Önel) and other national magazines.