Yellow Letters

Derya and Aziz are a celebrated artistic couple: Aziz, a socially engaged dramaturge and lecturer in theatre studies, and Derya, the star of his stage productions. Together with their fourteen-year-old daughter Ezgi, they lead a fulfilling life in Ankara – until their outspoken criticism of the government draws the attention of the state apparatus. Overnight, both lose their jobs, the police search their home, and neighbours are questioned. The family flees to Istanbul, where they temporarily move in with Aziz’s mother. But Ezgi struggles to settle into her new school, and while Aziz responds to the pressure with increased resistance, Derya searches for a way out that might restore her sense of freedom. Gradually, the distance between them grows, until their shared future as a family is put at risk.

Following «The Teachers' Lounge», Oscar-nominated German director İlker Çatak returns with another urgent and provocative work. At its centre is a couple forced to choose between ideals and adaptation within a corrupt authoritarian regime. Powerfully carried by Turkish stars Özgü Namal and Tansu Biçer, «Yellow Letters» is a gripping drama about courage and power that addresses some of the key political and social questions of our time. The film was awarded the Golden Bear at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival.