Turkish Filmmaker Belkis Bayrak Heads To San Sebastian With Gripping New Directors Title ‘Gülizar,’ Reveals Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for uncovering hidden gems from around the globe, I must admit that the trailer for “Gülizar” has piqued my interest like none other this year. Having traversed the labyrinthine world of cinema for decades, I’ve seen my fair share of stories about love, loss, and redemption. However, “Gülizar” promises to be a unique exploration of trauma, societal expectations, and self-discovery through the eyes of a woman yearning for her own liberation – a narrative that resonates deeply with me as a fellow traveler in this patriarchal world.


Prior to its premiere at San Sebastian’s New Directors Competition in Europe, Turkish filmmaker Belkis Bayrak unveils a sneak peek at her gripping directorial debut, “Gülizar.” This exclusive trailer has been shared with EbMaster for the first time.

Bayrak expressed his delight, stating, “Indeed, it’s a privilege to compete at San Sebastian with my first full-length film. I’m eagerly anticipating sharing this work with a European crowd, particularly the esteemed audience of San Sebastian!

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of being an alumnus from the Torino Film Lab, a participant in Reclaim The Frame’s Filmonomics Program, and a member of EWA. My short films, such as “The Apartment” and “Cemile,” have left their mark in the cinematic world.

The film titled “Gülizar” had its initial screening at TIFF’s Discovery section in Toronto, and it was jointly produced by Bayrak and Murat Yaşar Bayrak from Turkey’s Saba Film, in collaboration with Mehmet Bahadir Er of Turkey’s Protim V.P. The co-production was also supported by Valmira Hyseni of Kosovo’s Planbee Films.

The story, penned by Bayrak and Öktem Başol, is narrated through the introspective, feminine perspective of its leading character, portrayed by Ecem Uzun. This character is on the verge of her wedding, but a violent attack casts a shadow over the expected happiness. Her fiancé, Emre (played by Bekhir Behrem), feels compelled to avenge this act, which sets off a chain of events that gradually unveil hidden truths and harsh realities.

The trailer commences with Gülizar leisurely strolling through a lush field, delicately parting the greenery, while a voiceover poses a thoughtful inquiry, “Could your contentment hinge solely on marriage?

The scene transitions to a shadowy passage where she navigates her path forward, eventually catching sight of the main character running down stone steps. As he does, the voiceover reveals, “It’s fulfilling to live independently.

In the darkness, a loud scuffle can be heard, and as the screen returns, the main character is back, dressed in a bridal white gown, closely focused and gasping for breath heavily.

The movie vividly captures the chaos and exhaustion caused by trauma, with unsettling sequences that create a suspenseful atmosphere, casting a shadow over the community. Whispers and speculations about the situation are sprinkled throughout, while scenes of silent suffering are depicted. Eventually, these elements accumulate and confront the film’s resolute protagonist, who is relentlessly pursuing the man behind her sorrow. Her pain becomes more and more tangible as the story unfolds.

Bayrak stated that the central choice in their work was to adhere to Gülizar’s psychological state in each scene, maintaining a soothing pace to depict her emotions amidst the bustle. By featuring a silent protagonist after trauma, they aimed to evoke empathy for why women throughout history of harassment may remain silent and self-censor.

The movie explores the intricacies of trauma, societal pressures, and self-exploration through the perspective of a woman seeking freedom. As a female director who grew up in a patriarchal environment but was nurtured by strong women, I’m deeply committed to telling Gülizar’s tale.

On the 21st of September, coming Saturday, I’m thrilled to be part of an exclusive group alongside Hakan Yufkacıgil, Ernest Malazogu, and Aslı İçözü as we make our cinematic debut together. It promises to be a truly special event!

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2024-09-20 10:46