The factual and semi-tragic story of a Kurdish/Turkish family is explored in Nick Read and Ayse Toprak‘s documentary MY NAME IS HAPPY.
In 2015, Mutlu Kaya was a wide-eyed and ambitious teenager with a talent for singing and she made it through to the Grand Final of TURKEY’S GOT TALENT. Days before the final was aired, the obsession of one young man would yield a gun and a bullet to her brain which, under other circumstances, would have become the end of the story. However, this near-death experience would become the start-off point for a road to recovery and a journey to justice. For Mutlu’s carer, her sister Dilek, things would not be so optimistic…..
An extraordinary analysis of the brutality of violence and issues over women’s rights, MY NAME IS HAPPY does attempt to face down the outmoded and perhaps prehistoric nature of male dominance at a time when the likes of #MeToo and #TimesUp are trying to bring home a more sensible and sensitive approach to generating equality amongst the world.
At the recent post-premiere Q and A of the film at the Curzon Soho in London there was some reflection of whether there should have been more male voices and perspectives to provide balance to Mutlu’s story and the impact it had on her family. In some ways, focusing on the female viewpoint solely actually gives the film a lot more gravitas and power and one hopes that future screenings will give people a chance to embrace the film as it is seen here.
Important films like this which are designed to make awareness of the issues like domestic violence and femicide in cultures that are still driven by the male psyche need to be promoted more heavily and provide much wider discussions. Only then can the debate about equality and protection of women find a true discussion and resonance.
Official website for the film here.
“My Name Is Happy” Social Media Links: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok
Upcoming Screenings:
Cinema: Rio Dalston
Date: May 21st
Time: 3.45 pm
Address: 107 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB
Cinema: Arthouse, Crouch End
Date: June 7th
Time: 6:00 pm
Address: 159A Tottenham Ln, London, N8 9BT
Date: June 8th
Time: TBC
Address: 270 Mare St, London, E8 1HE
Cinema: Home
Date: June 20th
Time: TBC
Address: 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN
