Germany | France | Turkey 2026
Opening March 5, 2026

Directed by: Ilker Çatak
Writing credits: Ayda Meryem Çatak, Ilker Çatak, Enis Köstepen
Principal actors: Özgü Namal, Yusuf Akgün, Emre Bakar, Tansu Biçer, Leyla Smyrna Cabas, Kerem Can, Aziz Çapkurt

Derya (Özgü Namal) is a popular actress in a theater in Ankarauntil she, and others, are suspended. She considers potential alternatives for a new job. Her husband Aziz (Tansu Biçer), writes books, plays, and songs, but his latest presentation is also cancelled, all in the middle of various demonstrations. They and their teenaged daughter Ezgi (Leyla Smyrna Cabas) move to Istanbul in hopes of a better future while residing in crowded circumstances with Aziz’s mother. They spend time appearing in court, due to having possibly participated in political events. Derya begins a job on TV; Aziz works as a taxi driver. Eventually, they establish connection with a small theater directed by Baran (Aziz Çapkurt), where Derya will appear in Aziz’s newest play called Yellow Letters. Ezgi strives to follow her own goals and dates an older boy. Suddenly she disappears.

Gelbe Briefe translates to Yellow Letters and takes place in Turkey, but was filmed in Germany: in Berlin, which appears as Ankara, and in Hamburg, which appears as Istanbul. It is fun to recognize Hamburg locations such as the Alster Lake, the Elbe Tunnel, the Elbphilharmonie, the Harbor City, etc. There is one genuine yellow letter, called “Hikmet”, which, in this case, contains a job dismissal. The excellent actors capture our attention and enthusiasm, as we attempt to follow the story. Here, cigarettes also have a “personality.” Gelbe Briefe won Best Film at the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival. (Becky T.)