He studied at Bursa Boys’ High School and Boğaziçi University; he also began a master’s program in theater at Villanova University in the United States, though he did not complete it. However, he says that his true education came from the Boğaziçi University Players (BÜO). After working in many different jobs, from carpentry apprenticeship to advertising copywriting, he began to define himself as a “film storyteller.”
Akay worked as a director and actor in theater and cinema. With films such as Neredesin Firuze, Hacivat Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü?, 7 Kocalı Hürmüz, and 9 Kere Leyla, he developed a distinctive narrative style in Turkish cinema. He also produced award-winning films like Tabutta Rövaşata, Güneşe Yolculuk, and Karpuz Kabuğundan Gemiler Yapmak, which received recognition at national and international festivals.
Akay taught courses on cinema and acting at Marmara University, Bahçeşehir University, and Kadir Has University. He describes himself and his artistic vision as “an optimist, a mortal who believes he will die on a film set, and who is grateful for the inspiration his homeland provides.” He continues his work in Istanbul as a producer and director.
