ZUHAL, feature, 1h 28m, TURKEY, 2021
WRITTEN and DIRECTED by Nazlı Elif Durlu
PRODUCER Anna Maria Aslanoğlu / istos film
CINEMATOGRAPHY by Sebastian Weber
Synopsis:
Zuhal is sure she can hear meowing coming from somewhere in her building where pets are strictly forbidden. She subsequently questions the elderly manager of the block and pays cautious visits to her neighbours in order to find out where her kitty is hiding. It’s a mystery which turns into an obsession. Zuhal ends up needing pills in order to sleep, she doesn’t turn up for work appointments and she neglects her weeping fig which is slowly drying out in the lounge. Her neighbours think she’s mad and they make sure she knows it. Even Ahmet is skeptical, her elusive boyfriend who’s working in Dubai and with whom she engages in distracted phone sex. Naturally, the mystery resolves itself, but misunderstood Zuhal is forced to break down walls, metaphorically and otherwise, in order to free the feline within.
Awards:
Color Up Award by Meetings on the Bridge – Istanbul Film Festivali - İKSV
Jury’s deliberation: For its way of whispering a screaming loneliness and meowing to our ears the importance of trusting yourself.
Festivals:
World Premiere at Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival 2021, National Feature Film Competition, Winner: Best Actress
International Premiere at the 2021 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, First Feature Competition
Istanbul Film Festival 2022 3 wins including: Seyfi Teoman Best Debut Film, Best Editing Best Screenplay
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2022
Calgary International Film Festival 2022
Taipei Film Festival 2022
Press:
