GHOSTS

GHOSTS (HAYALETLER), 2020
Turkey, France | HDD, Color, 86’ | Turkish
Director: Azra Deniz Okyay
Cast: Nalan Kuruçim, Dilayda Güneş, Beril Kayar

Azra Deniz Okyay’s first feature-length film takes place in a neighborhood that becomes even more dystopic due to the citywide power outage. Various characters pursuing their individual troubles intersect in the same story: a young girl who dreams of becoming a famous dancer despite the pressure around her, a woman who has to find money to protect her imprisoned son’s life, and an activist, who works on several different issues from refugees to femicides. Ghosts depicts contemporary issues such as urban transformation, Syrian migrants, femicides, as well as the blockade and rebellion in Istanbul with a dynamic storyline and a colorful visual style. Receiving praise following the award it won at the Critics' Week of the Venice Film Festival, the film also won five awards, including the “Best Film” at this year’s Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival.