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Amasra, a historic coastal district in Bartin, northern Türkiye, has become the backdrop for a Russian-made drama film, further strengthening its reputation as both a cultural heritage site and a rising destination for international productions.
Located in Bartin province along the Black Sea, Amasra stands out not only for its seaside appeal but also for its deep historical layers.
The district brings together remains from multiple eras, including Hellenistic, Archaic, Classical, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, offering filmmakers a visually rich setting that blends nature with heritage.
Its prominence has grown steadily over time, supported by global recognition such as the inclusion of Amasra Castle on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013.
This combination of cultural depth and scenic coastline has continued to draw both tourists and production crews from Türkiye and abroad.
The latest production to take place in Amasra is the Russian drama film The Man on the Ship, produced by Yana Shmaylova and directed by Ivan Sosnin.
The story follows a Russian couple setting off on a holiday voyage aboard the cruise ship Astoria Grande, departing from Istanbul Port.
Filming is being carried out not only in Amasra but also in Istanbul, with both Russian and Turkish actors taking part.
The project is expected to contribute to local tourism by showcasing the region to wider international audiences once released across cinemas and digital platforms.
After coordinating with local authorities and tourism representatives, the film crew selected several of Amasra’s most recognizable landmarks as shooting locations. Scenes are being filmed in areas such as Buyuk and Kucuk Liman (the town’s two main harbors), the Aglayan Agac viewpoint, Amasra Castle, and the Kemere Bridge.
Residents have shown strong interest in the filming process, often gathering to watch scenes unfold, reflecting the community’s engagement with cultural and creative projects taking place in the district.
Melih Saylam, head of the Amasra Culture and Tourism Association, emphasized that the district’s natural character has long attracted filmmakers and that past productions have already helped raise its profile.
He pointed to surveys conducted among passengers arriving on the Astoria Grande cruise ship from Sochi since 2022, which showed that visitors ranked Istanbul and Amasra among their favorite destinations.
Saylam explained that this positive perception played a role in the filmmakers’ decision to choose Amasra, adding that the association has been supporting the crew voluntarily by guiding them through the town’s most scenic and historic spots. He also highlighted the role of local residents and businesses in demonstrating Turkish hospitality throughout the process.
Looking at past examples, Saylam recalled that well-known Turkish productions such as Gonderilmemis Mektuplar and Fikrimin Ince Gulu were filmed in Amasra, contributing to its growing recognition.
He also noted that the district’s visibility increased further due to its association with singer Baris Akarsu, a native of Amasra.
He underlined that film and television exposure has boosted the district’s recognition by as much as 40%, as audiences often seek out locations they have seen on screen.
According to Saylam, the new Russian production is expected to build on this momentum, potentially increasing the number of foreign visitors once the film reaches global audiences.
He added that the community is pleased with Amasra being selected, expressing satisfaction if their efforts played even a small role in bringing the project to the district.
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