Life is going smoothly for Derya, a successful actress, and her husband Aziz, a playwright and university lecturer. Things go awry when Derya ruffles the feathers of an important figure of authority, whilst Aziz gets into trouble for encouraging his students to take part in the anti-government demonstrations. Both lose their jobs and are forced to move from Ankara to Istanbul, where they go to live with Aziz’s parents, together with their 13-year-old daughter. It is a difficult transition for the couple, but what about their views on (artistic) freedom?
Director Ilker Çatak (known for, amongst others, Das Lehrerzimmer) set the story in Ankara and Istanbul, but filmed it in Berlin and Hamburg, and makes no attempt to conceal this. In doing so, he gives the film a universal character; (self-)censorship and state control know no borders. Starring Özgü Namal and Tansu Biçer. Winner of the Golden Bear at the 2026 Berlinale.
Yellow Letters
Expected
08 Oct 2026
Regie
Ilker Çatak
Language
Turks
Origin
Duitsland, 2026
Viewing guide
It is not only their marriage that comes under strain, but also the principles held by actress Derya and playwright/lecturer Aziz, when the government interferes in their lives. Winner of the Golden Bear.