Mustafa Kaymak is the Co-Founder of Cinegryphon Entertainment, an American independent entertainment company specializing in film and television development, production, and financing.

He is a Sundance (Green, 2019) and Tribeca (Leylak, 2021) award-winning writer and producer. He was born in Ankara, Turkey, where he received a BA degree in journalism (2008, Ankara University). He holds two MFA degrees, one in playwriting and another in creative film producing, both from Columbia University. Recently, he was awarded the Caucus Foundation and Annenberg Foundation Award.

He is currently involved in several projects under the banner of Cinegryphon Entertainment, including a feature narrative, The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write about a Serial Killer, by writer/director Tolga Karacelik; the feature adaptation of the short film Green, which will be directed by Suzanne Andrews Correa; and the feature documentary The Walk, directed by Tamara Kotevska (Honeyland). Cinegryphon Entertainment is also set to turn the YA classic novel The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery into a feature film.

Columbia University Film School is one of the leading schools in the world. During my time there, my education focused primarily on independent filmmaking. I had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of Ira Deutchman, Maureen Ryan, Jack Lechner, Tom Kalin, Ramin Barani, and many other accomplished mentors. They taught me the intricacies of the film business inside and out. 

My thesis film, "Green," won a major award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. Since then, I have been actively producing and writing in order to develop the skills needed to become a better filmmaker.

Columbia University

I received my first Master's degree from Columbia University's MFA program in playwriting, which embraces diverse voices and aesthetics. I studied under the mentorship of phenomenal faculty, including Tony©, Pulitzer, and Obie Award winners such as Charles Mee, Anne Bogart, and David Henry Hwang. This experience helped me explore my own unique and idiosyncratic voice, allowing each of my plays to evolve into its best version.

Cinegryphon Entertainment is an American independent entertainment company specializing in film and television production, development, and financing. In September 2021, I joined forces with two partners to launch Cinegryphon with the aim of providing a platform for diverse filmmakers and discovering exceptional new voices.

We recently wrapped up production on "The Shallow Tale of a Writer who Decided to Write about a Serial Killer," featuring Steve Buscemi, Britt Lower, and John Magaro in lead roles. The film was shot in New York with a budget of $8.2 million. We are currently preparing for its release at Sundance 2024. The director, Tolga Karacelik, is the winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize in 2018.

Additionally, my company has commissioned two talented writers, Bragi F. Schut (known for "Last Voyage of Demeter," "Samaritan," and "Escape Room") and Chris Bergoch (known for "Florida Project" and "Tangerine"), to develop screenplays for our company.

In addition, we have acquired the rights to produce the Turkish version of "Shark Tank" and have provided financing for the Walk Project, directed by Tamara Kotevska (known for "Honeyland").

Ceo/Film Producer

"Leylak" was my latest short film, which I wrote and produced in 2020. The film had its world premiere at the 20th Annual Tribeca Film Festival on June 12, 2021, where it received a Special Jury Mention in the Best Narrative Short category.

Leylak

In 2018, I wrote and produced my thesis film, "Green," which went on to win a major award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. The film tells the story of an undocumented Turkish pedicab driver who unknowingly attracts the attention of the police, putting his brother, community, and himself in danger.

This movie has provided me with invaluable experience in filmmaking from various perspectives. It has taught me a great deal about the art and craft of filmmaking, allowing me to grow and learn in profound ways.

Green

In 2020, I was honored to receive the generous grant from the Caucus Foundation. The grant aims to empower and amplify diverse voices within the film industry, addressing the issue of lack of diversity in both content and representation among creative professionals. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the important mission of fostering inclusivity and diverse perspectives in our industry.

Caucus Foundation

In 2016, "Nocturne in Black" won the Best Student Film award at the Student Oscars. It was truly an honor for me to be a co-producer on this exceptional and captivating movie.

Mustafa Kaymak

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