The Journey of Cumali Varer: From Exile to Cinematic Pioneer

For Lazuri Film founder Cumali Varer, his life’s narrative swells with the rhythms of the sea.

From Political Prisoner to Seafarer

Cumali Varer, who once found himself in the confines of a political prison, later forged a new identity as a self-made sailor after arriving in France as an exile in the late 1980s. His life now oscillates between Paris, Istanbul, and Cannes, carving out a career that elegantly blends his childhood passion for fishing in the Black Sea with his evolution as a producer. At the recent Mipcom, Varer made headlines with “Korsan,” a nautical adventure series that draws inspiration both from historical events and his own life experiences.

Bridging Cultures Through the Sea

“I’ve spent my life on the sea, sailing and learning its rhythms,” Varer remarked. “Now, I want to bring that world to the screen, portraying stories that are both universal and deeply rooted in the unique culture, courage, and beauty of the Mediterranean region.”

A New Direction in Storytelling

Prior to establishing Lazuri Film, Varer dedicated himself to creating cultural connections through sailing, organizing international regattas that spanned across Spain, France, England, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Along the way, he refined his craft by producing French-language documentaries for Turkish television, encapsulating the essence of Mediterranean life and sports.

A pivotal moment in Varer’s journey occurred during an unexpected meeting at a Paris embassy, which ignited his desire to explore the story of Spain’s Jewish exiles who were rescued by Ottoman corsairs and found sanctuary in 15th-century Istanbul—a narrative Varer has passionately pursued ever since.

A Tale of Humanity and Solidarity

“This story embodies humanity and solidarity amid religious conflicts and turmoil,” Varer noted. “It resonates with the timeless values of tolerance and cooperation, themes just as important today as they were in the 15th-century Mediterranean.”

Transforming Vision into Reality

Initially conceived as an independent project, Varer collaborated with the esteemed French screenwriter and Luis Buñuel collaborator Jean-Claude Carrière. Following Carrière’s passing in 2021, and adapting to the evolving post-pandemic landscape, Varer restructured the narrative into a series format, partnering with “Barbarians” creator Andreas Heckmann.

Under Heckmann’s expertise, the project evolved into a more dynamic episodic drama, intertwining a core love triangle into its compelling storyline. Acclaimed director Paul Wilmshurst, noted for his work on “The Last Kingdom” and “The Day of the Jackal,” has also joined the team.

Charting New Waters with Lazuri Film

In 2022, Varer confidently launched Lazuri Film to lead the production of “Korsan.” Strategic advisor Françoise Florentiny, a veteran from ITV Studios, helped streamline distributor relations, refine marketing strategies, and coalesce the production crew, leveraging his extensive connections in the French audiovisual industry.

With pre-production approaching, “Korsan” is fully scripted and key crew members have been secured. Locations in Spain, particularly Granada and Cádiz, have been scouted, creating an exciting prospect for this primarily French production that may evolve into a French-Spanish co-production.

Production Details and Future Projects

The six-episode series boasts a budget of approximately $24 to $25 million, with net financing estimated between $16 million and $17 million after tax rebates. A pre-sale deal with a prominent international distributor is in the final stages, poised to trigger immediate pre-production, with filming set for summer 2026 in Spain.

Looking beyond “Korsan,” Lazuri Film is also nurturing the development of “Groundtruth,” a high-stakes thriller delving into themes of espionage, AI ethics, and global power dynamics. While still in its nascent stages, Varer remains focused primarily on realizing “Korsan.”

A Universal Story of Choice

“Today, telling this story is a choice,” Varer states. “We can choose between perpetuating hatred or fostering coexistence. We live in a world filled with fear, division, and purported clashes of civilizations. My journey through exile and struggle is not just mine; it is emblematic of a universal experience that resonates with everyone.”

Translating Skills Across Domains

Drawingparallels between his past experiences and current endeavors, Varer explains, “Organizing a regatta and producing a series follow the same core principles. Passion, courage, preparation, and the ability to unite people around a vision are essential. The skills I cultivated while managing international sailing events—diplomacy, public relations, and fostering cultural connections—now serve me in the realm of large-scale productions. It’s about adapting skills honed in one field and applying them successfully in another.”