Documentary on master jeweler Sevan Bıçakçı makes world premiere in Washington

WASHINGTON - Anadolu Agency

‘İstanbul’u Mücevhere Sığdıran Usta” belgesel filminin galası, dün Kadir Has Üniversitesi Cibali Kampüsü’nde yapıldı. (Fotoğraf: Selçuk Şamiloğlu)

“Sevan the Craftsman: Breathing Istanbul Into Jewels” is a documentary that tells the story of Sevan Bıçakçı, a master jeweler of Armenian descent who was once proclaimed the “king of rings.” The film premiered at the Carnegie Institution for Science on Feb. 19 as part of the DC Independent Films Festival in Washington. 

Produced and directed by Ümran Safter, the documentary charts the progress of Bıçakçı, from his apprenticeship at the age of 12 in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to stardom as renowned artisan 33 years later. 

Bıçakçı’s sources of inspiration were closely related to Istanbul: The Bosphorus, seagulls, the Maiden’s Tower, mosques and churches. He incorporates these scenes into the rings he created. 

In the feature documentary film, nearly 40 people including Bıçakçı’s family, close friends, his masters in the Grand Bazaar, designers, collectors and academics speak about Bıçakçı’s art. 

The documentary was shot in Istanbul, London and New York with, contributions from Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry. 

The film highlights the artist’s rise from abject poverty to a creator of art worth millions, an iconic figure eagerly sought by the world’s rich, famous and powerful. 

The films also talks about the disappearing master-apprentice tradition, the changing city of Istanbul, the city’s multicultural history and the richness created by its diverse peoples.