Prominent film critic Mehmet Acar and former president of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), Alin Tasciyan, discussed Cihan Saglam and his film 'Uzun Zaman Önce' on the program 'Film Önü/Arkasi,' which aired on Turkish national television and radio station broadcasting 2 (TRT 2), specifically on Season 3 Episode 16.
Cihan Saglam's film 'Uzun Zaman Önce' was showcased at the 2nd Baska Sinema Ayvalik International Film Festival in 2019, as part of a selection of award-winning films of the year. The film was screened in the 'The Sins of Our Fathers' section of the festival, where it met with the audience.
'Uzun Zaman Önce' made its television debut on TRT2, while simultaneously premiering digitally on Tivibu and Mubi.
Serdar Orcin won the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of 'Mehmet' in the film at the Adana Golden Boll International Film Festival, and the Best Actor award at the Ankara International Film Festival.
At the 31st Ankara International Film Festival, Cihan Saglam's "Uzun Zaman Önce" was honored with the Mahmut Tali Öngören Award for Best First Film. The jury praised the film for its powerful characters and consistent atmosphere, which skillfully depicted the struggle to remain true to oneself and the impossibility of love within a corrupt patriarchal power structure. Additionally, Serdar Orcin's performance earned him the Best Actor Award, while Uygur Yigit received the Best Original Music Award for their contributions to the film.