After studying sociology at university, fiction and documentary writer-director Pelin Esmer started on a career in cinema. Sinefilm, the company she founded, has produced a number of independent films since 2001, including Koleksiyoncu (The Collector), Oyun (The Play), 11’e 10 Kala (10 to 11), Gözetleme Kulesi (Watchtower), İşe Yarar Bir Şey (Something Useful), and Queen Lear. Her films have garnered her a number of awards over the years from prestigious international festivals, including a Best Director of A Documentary Film from the Tribeca Film Festival for Oyun, and a Fipresci Award from the Istanbul Film Festival for her feature fiction film Something Useful (İşe Yarar Bir Şey), which went on to win awards for best director, best screenplay, and best actress at the Talinn Black Nights Film Festival.

"Queen Lear" was selected for screening at Foça Film Days 2021.