The co-production between GoQuest Media and VIP 2000 TV is directed by distinguished showrunner Inci Gulen Oarr (Stellar Yapim), creator of successful series such as Elif.

*By Luis Cabrera and Fernando Moreno, from Los Angeles

Previews of the GoQuest Media and VIP 2000 TV co-production, Kuma / The Other Wife, will be presented at LA Screenings. This includes the first teaser, cast, and crew names of the highly anticipated Turkish daily series, which has already been presented to an exclusive audience at WAWA First Look Turkey 2024. Principal photography has already begun in the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia and will continue in Istanbul.

The series is directed by distinguished showrunner Inci Gulen Oarr (Stellar Yapim), recognized for her previous work on successful series such as Elif, Cannim Annem, and Wounded Birds. These series have achieved international acclaim, especially in Spanish-speaking markets such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United States (Hispanic), and Spain.

Rosalind Rotundo, Vice President of VIP 2000 TV, announced: “During our visit to the set, we witnessed the magic that can only come from the perfect harmony between an extraordinarily dedicated crew and unparalleled artistic talent. The entire production team has created an environment where every scene filmed is a work of art. The palpable dedication and passion that each member brings to the project are what, we are confident, will define Kuma as a success in the international marketplace. This project reflects our commitment to creating international productions and our belief in the power of stories to inspire and move people, crossing borders and uniting audiences in a shared experience.”

The experienced Atilla Cengiz and Irmak Çengel direct the series, with over 25 years of combined experience from their work on recent Turkish dramas such as Ask Yarasi and Toprak ile Fidan. The screenplay is directed by Ahmet Köşeoğlu, with significant contributions from head screenwriter Hande Öksüz. Both are celebrated for compelling narratives in Canim Annem and Toprak ile Fidan series.

Leading the cast are the dynamic Aybüke Yilmaz and Emre Özmen, who play the characters of Ceylan and Karan, respectively. Aybüke Yilmaz is known for her starring role in the 2023 series Fedakar, while Emre Özmen, an award-winning actor, has been acclaimed for his extensive work in Turkish films, dramas, and theater, especially in Bir Zamanlar Kibris / Once Upon a Time in Cyprus. They are joined by Ufuk Kaplan, famous for her Ask-I Memnu / Forbidden Love role.

Kuma narrates the journey of Ceylan, who runs away from home and meets Karan, a rich young businessman. They fall in love and soon marry. But when Ceylan is accused of murder, Karan marries his brother’s widow and forces Ceylan to become his kuma, a second wife, to bear him children.