A New Wave of Defiance in Turkish Cinema

In 2026, Turkish cinema is witnessing a resurgence of politically charged narratives, exemplified by Ilker Çatak’s *Yellow Letters* and Emin Alper’s *Salvation*. Both films, which critique the autocratic regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, received top honors at the Berlinale, with *Yellow Letters* winning the Golden Bear and *Salvation* taking home the Silver Bear. These films are co-produced by Liman, an independent film company, and reflect a broader movement among filmmakers to address the pressing issues of political repression and economic hardship in Turkey.

The Guardian

The current wave of Turkish cinema emerges from the remnants of Yesilçam, the national film industry that collapsed in the late 1980s. Çatak and Alper, both in their mid-40s, are pivotal figures in this new cinematic landscape, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Yilmaz Güney, a Kurdish director whose work challenged the status quo during Turkey's military junta in the 1980s. The early 2000s saw a brief period of optimism, marked by Turkey's cultural achievements and Erdogan's initial pro-European Union stance. However, this optimism has since faded, with Turkey now classified as an electoral autocracy, characterized by increasing state control over civil liberties.

The Guardian

The narratives in *Yellow Letters* and *Salvation* are deeply rooted in the experiences of individuals affected by Erdogan's purges. The film *Yellow Letters* follows the story of Derya and Aziz, a couple who lose their jobs due to their political beliefs, reflecting the broader climate of fear that has gripped Turkey since the violent crackdown on the Occupy Gezi protests in 2013. The film illustrates how ordinary citizens, driven by fear of economic ruin and state retribution, often comply with oppressive measures.

The Guardian

Despite the boldness of these films, the Turkish film industry has historically shied away from addressing such contentious topics. The government has actively suppressed dissenting voices, as seen in the case of Nejla Demirci's documentary *The Decree*, which was banned after it addressed the academic purges. The Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival was also canceled in 2023 due to fears of state retaliation for screening films that challenge the government narrative.

The Guardian

In light of the political climate, filmmakers like Çatak and Alper have expressed their commitment to portraying the realities of life under an autocratic regime. Their works serve as a form of resistance, aiming to spark dialogue and reflection among audiences both in Turkey and abroad.

The Guardian

• “We’re all responsible for keeping the calm here” — Landlord in *Yellow Letters*

The Guardian

• “Submission to the government’s ideology is key to getting a public-sector job; being outspoken on social media can be costly in the private sector.” — Commentary on the current state of Turkish society

The Guardian

• “Aziz learns his fate in a yellow envelope: he’s accused of disseminating terrorist propaganda, and incitement to violence and becomes persona non grata overnight.” — Description of *Yellow Letters*

The Guardian

As Turkey continues to grapple with its political realities, the emergence of films like *Yellow Letters* and *Salvation* signifies a critical moment in its cinematic history. These works not only challenge the status quo but also reflect the resilience of artists in the face of oppression, suggesting that the voice of dissent in Turkish cinema is far from silenced.

The Guardian