From England to Sivas: Eloise Sarasini Brings Authenticity to ‘Yemek The Movie’

British actress Eloise Sarasini travelled from England to Türkiye to film Yemek The Movie, a multi-director feature that connects stories spanning from the 1770s to the present day. Her arrival in Sivas—an Anatolian city she had never visited before—mirrored the journey of discovery experienced by the character she portrays on screen.

 

Directed by a team of nine filmmakers, Yemek The Movie links stories set across different cities through a shared narrative. Ebru Cengiz Ergen serves as the film’s lead director and also directs the Sivas chapter.

Finding the Right Actress for the Sivas Story

According to Ergen, casting the lead role for the Sivas segment required an actress capable of conveying curiosity, openness and adaptability. After discussing the role with producing partner Cem Kaplan, he recommended England-based actress Eloise Sarasini.

Ergen explained:

“For the Sivas story, I needed an actress who was bright and lively, who had not lost the excitement in her spirit and who remained open to discovery. I was looking for someone who could express that sense of curiosity through her expressions, her posture and her entire presence—and who could adapt to the role very quickly. Cem Kaplan recommended Eloise Sarasini.”

Because Sarasini travelled from England to join the production in Türkiye, the actress and director were unable to meet before filming began. Their first conversation took place via WhatsApp, but Ergen said the interaction gave her confidence in her casting decision.

“We did not have the chance to meet face to face. We spoke over WhatsApp, but her energy reached me immediately. I understood that I could trust her and place the character I had created in her hands. She came all the way from England to Sivas, an Anatolian city she knew absolutely nothing about, and created something wonderful there.”

Real-Life Journey Reflected the Story

Sarasini’s experience closely paralleled that of her character in Yemek The Movie.

In the film, her character arrives in Sivas on an assignment from Ellen, a person she has since lost contact with. Unsure of her purpose in the city, she has only one clue: she must find Hüseyin. Through him, she discovers Rüya’s story while navigating unfamiliar surroundings and confronting her own emotions.

Similarly, Sarasini travelled to Sivas without prior knowledge of the city, its culture or its people. Her real-life experience of exploring an unfamiliar environment echoed the character’s own journey throughout the story.

Ergen praised the actress for adapting quickly throughout production and maintaining her focus despite changing circumstances.

“She was able to set aside every changing circumstance she encountered during the shoot and focus entirely on her character as soon as the camera started rolling. Her ability to adapt in the moment, take ownership of the character and leave behind anything that might have affected her motivation made me admire her as a director.”

Commitment During a Demanding Scene

One sequence required Sarasini’s character to drink rakı. Although filming had already been physically demanding, the actress chose not to simulate the moment, preferring to keep the scene authentic.

Reflecting on the sequence, Ergen said:

“What mattered to me was not that she drank rakı. What mattered was that, despite all her exhaustion, she never stepped outside the character and remained committed to the truth of the scene until the very end. She drank her rakı, faced the camera and delivered a wonderful performance on top of all that fatigue.”

Discovering Anatolian Folk Dance

During filming in Sivas, Sarasini also encountered Anatolian folk dance music for the first time. According to Ergen, the actress quickly adapted to the unfamiliar style, responding naturally without extensive direction.

“She had never heard the music before. We did not need to explain at length what she should do. She listened, she felt it and she danced. Even within a musical culture so far removed from her own, she never looked out of place. Eloise does not simply learn movements—she understands the spirit of the world around her very quickly.”

Early Critical Response

According to Ergen, early reactions to Yemek The Movie highlighted Sarasini’s performance as one of the film’s notable strengths, with critics praising her screen presence, energy and range.

She said the early response confirmed the confidence she had placed in the actress before they met in person.

“I was not the only person who saw Eloise’s energy. The first critics to watch the film also specifically highlighted her acting ability, her strength on screen and the vitality she brought to every scene. I trusted her before we had ever met face to face. She carried that trust all the way from England to Sivas and truly made the character I created her own.”

By travelling from England to Sivas, Sarasini not only joined the production of Yemek The Movie but also immersed herself in an unfamiliar city, culture and musical tradition—an experience that closely reflected the story unfolding on screen.