WELCOME TO THE 24th BOSTON TURKISH FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL!

We are delighted to continue the tradition of presenting high-caliber films and concerts as we celebrate the festival's 24th year. As you may recall, the Boston Turkish Film Festival received a special commendation from the prestigious Boston Society of Film Critics for "bringing work by emerging and established filmmakers of Turkish cinema to Boston audiences."

This year’s program features North American, U.S. and East Coast premieres of the latest films, with appearances by guest directors.

The festival opens on April 4th with "Fate" (Mukadderat), directed by Nadim Güç. This heartwarming and humorous film about women’s empowerment and resilience is set in the beautiful small town of Cide, Kastamonu, in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, and stars legendary actress Nur Sürer in the leading role.

"Hakkı" directed by Hikmet Kerem Özcan, will be screened on April 5th. In a tranquil Aegean village, a souvenir seller’s modest contentment is shattered by the discovery of an ancient artifact, leading him down a path of obsessive greed that threatens to destroy his family and his soul.

Award-winning filmmaker Selman Nacar returns to the BTFF with his acclaimed latest film, "Hesitation Wound" (Tereddüt Çizgisi), on April 5th. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by a lawyer as she navigates complex family matters and professional responsibilities. The film premiered in the Orizzonti section at the 80th Venice International Film Festival and won the Best Screenplay Award at the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, among other accolades.

On April 6th, director Erkan Tahhuşoğlu also returns to the BTFF with "Cycle" (Döngü). In this film, a long-time housekeeper faces a moral dilemma when her employer pressures her to coerce an injured immigrant worker into dropping a legal claim, exposing the stark class divide and the exploitation inherent in their relationship.

Winners of the Best Documentary and Best Short Film Audience and Jury Awards at the Boston Turkish Festival’s 19th annual Documentary and Short Film Competition will be screened on April 4th and 6th, preceding the feature films. The Competition’s award ceremony and a panel discussion moderated by film critic Peter Keough will follow the screening of "Cycle" on April 6th.

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Aysun Bademsoy’s "Game Changers" (Spielerinnen), the recipient of the Best Documentary Audience Award at the BTF’s Documentary and Short Film Competition, will be screened on April 13th at the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Baran Gündüzalp's deeply humanistic award-winning film "Rosinante" is available to watch online between April 4 - 15.  Premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival, it paints a poignant portrait of a struggling Istanbul family, where the stolen motorcycle, their namesake "Rosinante," becomes a catalyst for profound upheaval.

The film program will continue online from April 4th to April 15th with a special selection, including award-winning documentaries and short films from the BTF's 19th Annual Documentary and Short Film Competition.

The festival will also present a special music program with concerts by distinguished musicians at the Goethe-Institut Boston.

On April 12th, renowned pianist Hande Dalkılıç will perform the world premiere of composer Ali Hoca’s Fantasy Suite for Piano, Op.76, “25 Mysterious Historical Places in Northern Cyprus,” which was dedicated to her by the composer.

On April 19th, The Utar Artun Trio will play “Jazz Standards in Turquoise Notes.” Composer and pianist Utar Artun will be joined by Vlade Guigni on drums and Youngchae Jeong on bass.

At our closing event on April 25th, composer, arranger, pianist, and singer Süeda Çatakoğlu will present her album release concert featuring her debut EP, “Chiron, a Journey of Personal Growth and Healing.” She will be accompanied by Filippo Novi Goller on bass, Arthur Simoes on melodica and piano, Mehrpouya Daneshvar on clarinet, and Kerem Seçkin on drums.

Organizing a festival is undoubtedly a collaborative effort of many individuals and organizations. We would like to thank our supporters, board members, and co-presenters, as well as our audience, whose commitment and collaboration made this festival possible. We hope that you will continue to be part of this cultural tradition for many years to come.

Enjoy the Festival!

Erkut Gömülü
Director and Founder
Boston Turkish Film and Music Festival