Political uncertainty, perception and emotional desperation are the backbone to Serkan Nihat‘s indie subtitled social drama EXODUS.
The attempted Turkish coup in 2016 is the historical narrative that drives the conflicts, actions and consequences that affect a group of individuals who are persecuted and singled-out at the hands of sadistic police sergeant Yilmaz (Murat Zeynilli) who is determined to bring to book old high school student-turned teacher Hakan (Denis Ostier) for democratic beliefs that are against the political overview.
Hakan’s fiance, lawyer Nilufer (Dilan Derya), fights against the principles of her father who wishes for her to leave Turkey and go to visit a relative in New York.
Hakan is rescued from a restaurant confrontation with Yilmaz by Mehmet (Umit Uglen) a police officer now under suspicion and on the run, leaving his wife and daughter who themselves are forced out at a moment’s notice by their landlord accusing them of association with terrorists.
The stage is set for major life changing decisions and a desperate but determined run for freedom in Europe….
Factual documentaries like the recent 20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL and BEYOND UTOPIA have aimed to highlight the ongoing conflicts that troubled countries have had to endure with their rigid regimes that are fleetingly touched on globally. Nihat, working from a script co-written with Erkan Ciplak and Refik Guley (based on a story by Murat Kesgin), attempts to show both sides of the coin in terms of those escaping and those who remain constrained by an ever-changing and uncertain local political climate.
The entwined stories are emotionally involving and heart-breaking at times, thanks to intense performances all round which compliment a film that is in turns both enlightening and enriching in its’ power. The issues it examines are well reported and a timely reminder – at least to those in the UK and EU political highbrow – of the context that the serious concerns presented by immigration present to all in both humanitarian and policy (a climactic coda captures a thousand frames) .
Another fine example of the cinematic possibilities presented if you have a strong idea combined with limited means. Even more impressive is that the film was shot mostly in England.
EXODUS plays as part of the London Independent Film Festival. For information, including info and tickets, please go to:
Please follow and like us:
