Movies

Hamam: The Turkish Bath (1997)

Italian designer Francesco reluctantly travels to Istanbul to sell a hamam, or Turkish bath, he inherited from a deceased aunt. The ceremonies of Turkish life—from the careful preparation of meals, to the tranquil public baths—seduce him, and he begins to fall in love with Turkey and with a Turkish paramour. Watch the movie for its graceful direction, textured characters, and revealing interaction between cultures.

Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite (1989)

Based on the 1986 book Don't Let them Shoot the Kite, about Feride Cicekoglu's experiences as a political prisoner in a Turkish women's prison, this film (nominated by the Turkish Film Festival for the Best Turkish Picture of the Year Award) tells the story of Baris, a neglected five-year-old who pretends to stay in touch with his pardoned "prison-mother," Inci, through a magical kite. Through a local lens, the film considers the global issue of freedom.

Istanbul Tales (2005)

Set during one night in the Turkish city, Istanbul Tales is a series of interlocking stories that follows five sets of characters whose lives intersect after a mob gangster is killed. Each story is a modern fairy tale that depicts life in Turkey from vastly different perspectives (a lost man is mistaken for an ancient ghost, the daughter of a dead gangster is saved by a dwarf). Crisp characterization and vivid cinematography make Istanbul come alive.

Searching for Paradise (2002)

Described as a documentary about "living between East and West, Islam and Christianity, past, and present," this movie follows director Binnur Karaevli from Los Angeles to Istanbul on a personal quest to explore her roots and make sense of her Eastern heritage and Western upbringing. Searching for Paradise explores the East/West dichotomy of Turkey, and of Karaevli herself, and suggests both are better off for their rich backgrounds.