Ataman entered the art world first in 1997 when he took part in the 5th International Istanbul Biennial where he presented "kutluğ ataman's semiha b. unplugged" a long-form documentary of the opera diva Semiha Berksoy.
The movie won 14 prizes in 2005 (Best Actress for Vildan Atasever, Best Cinematography for Emre Erkmen, and Best Director for Kutluğ Ataman) at Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival which gives out the most prestigious film awards in Turkey.
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İki Genç Kız (The international working title is 2 Girls) is a Golden Orange awarded 2005 Turkish film by Kutluğ Ataman, produced by Gulen Guler Hurley, starring Feride Çetin, Vildan Atasever and Hülya Avşar.