Leyla Once Again
SYNOPSIS
Umut, a young man living in the slums of İstanbul, finds out that his single mother Leyla has been meeting with a strange man. Getting confused and somewhat traumatized, he soon learns that this man is his actual father, whom he had never known… A black screen cuts in. As the second half begins, we understand that the first half we watched was actually a film and that Umut and Leyla are professional actors. Umut has a crush on Leyla despite the age difference, and by the time this becomes an obsession for him. Also, just like the character he impersonated, he’s got serious issues with his father…
This is an unconventional story of dualities: “film vs real life,” “mother vs the woman desired,” “poor neighborhoods vs rich neighborhoods of İstanbul,” all based on two ancient myths about fathers and sons.
WINNING AWARDS
2020, ADANA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, TURKEY – NATIONAL COMPETITION, BEST ACTOR
- 2021, ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, TURKEY – NATIONAL COMPETITION
2022, ISTANBUL MODERN MUSEUM – WE TOO ARE IN THIS! SECTİON
- 2022, BOSTON TURKISH FILM FESTIVAL
2022, ANTAKYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NATIONAL COMPETITION – BEST ACTOR
2022 UK, TASTE OF ANATOLIA FILM FESTIVAL – OFFICIAL SELECTION