Ertem Göreç was a distinguished Turkish film director, screenwriter, and editor, recognized for his contributions to Turkish cinema, particularly in the social realist genre. Born in Bursa, he left his secondary education to pursue a career in sports, becoming a national basketball player. His passion for cinema led him to work as an editor under Orhan Atadeniz, where he honed his technical skills over a decade. In the 1950s, Göreç served as an assistant director to prominent filmmakers such as Orhan M. Arıburnu, Atıf Yılmaz, Abdurrahman Palay, and Memduh Ün. He made his directorial debut with Kanlı Sevda in 1960. His most acclaimed work, Karanlıkta Uyananlar (1964), is considered a milestone in Turkish social realist cinema, addressing labor issues and workers' rights. Throughout his career, Göreç directed numerous films that explored social themes, leaving a lasting impact on Turkish cinema. He passed away in Istanbul at the age of 89.