Yellow Letters — English subs

Yellow Letters is an inventive and timely drama by director Ilker Çatak (The Teachers’ Lounge). Although the film is set in Turkey, Berlin (standing in for Ankara) and Hamburg (standing in for Istanbul) provide the backdrop for a story of powerlessness, corruption, and state oppression.

The marriage of acclaimed actress Derya (Özgü Namal) and director and lecturer Aziz (Tansu Biçer) comes under pressure after they lose their jobs due to arbitrary state intervention. They move to Istanbul to live with Aziz’s parents. Derya and their 13-year-old daughter have to rebuild their lives. Derya receives an attractive offer, while Aziz finds a job. But is there still room for their principles and freedom of expression?

Yellow Letters won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. By casting Germany as a character in the film, Çatak shows that (self-)censorship and state control do not stop at the border.

“A film that’s both a gripping marital drama and a rallying cry against artist censorship.” — IndieWire