Dear reader,

2016 has proven to be a difficult year for Turkey.

It’s always been dark times like these however, where true artists have brought to the forefront their most evocative works, their raison d’être—serving as a mirror, reflecting our humanity back onto ourselves. In this regard, Turkish cinema remains as reactive and as prolific as it’s ever been.

This is why, this year, I’m especially elated and proud in announcing the 3rd Annual Vancouver Turkish Film Festival, set to to take place once more at VIFF Vancity Theatre, this upcoming November 25 – 27.

I can wholeheartedly say that this is our strongest line-up to date—ranging from astonishing arthouse cinema by legendary Turkish auteurs, to a world class animated film about a cynical, hot-headed alley cat—we’ve carefully managed to curate yet another mesmerizing selection of contemporary Turkish films.

In staying true to our mission of showcasing the best of burgeoning Turkish cinema, we ask again for your support in spreading the love. We need it now more than ever.

We hope to see all of you at VTFF in late November.

Sincerely,

Hakan Burcuoğlu | VTFF Director

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Vancouver Turkish Film Festival is instrumental in bringing the best examples of this growing industry to Vancouver, where the Vancouver International Film Festival celebrated its 35th year in 2016. Director of the Festival, Mr. Hakan Burcuoğlu, deserves a special acknowledgement and appreciation as a partnership between the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival and the Vancouver International Film Festival is built.

In closing, I would like to wish all of you an entertaining festival and hope that you like the Turkish films as much as we do in Turkey. Sincerely,

Anıl Bora İnan | CONSUL GENERAL

OFFICIAL GREETINGSA LETTER FROM THE AMBASSADOR

Dear Friends,

The cinema has been given to us as one of the greatest gifts of our times to explore an unmatchable potential of endeavours. And what a different world indeed, it would be if the arts featured at the forefront of our endeavours.Vancouver Turkish Film Festival is both a pioneer and a partner at the forefront of various efforts to promote Turkish

film industry in Canada which values to extend its messages of artistic values.

Turkey’s film and TV industry is inherently strong. Despite the fact that Turkey actually grants the lowest level of support for film related activities per capita in all of Europe, the increase in production levels is worth a mention.

With a dynamic and a growing economy, the Turkish theatrical market is predicted to continue growing by 6% to 7% per year steadily in the years to come. Stimulated by the box office success of Turkish blockbusters, in 2016, Turkish fea-ture film production volume including a small number of co-productions is more promising than ever.

With a dynamic and a growing economy, the Turkish theatrical market is predicted to continue growing by 6% to 7% per year steadily in the years to come. Stimulated by the box office success of Turkish blockbusters, in 2016, Turkish feature film production volume including a small number of co-productions is more promising than ever.

A MESSAGE FROMTHE PREMIER As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I am pleased to welcome everyone to the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival (VTFF), taking place here at the Vancity Theatre.

British Columbia is fortunate to have a thriving arts community that embraces and reflects the cultural diversity of which we are so proud. This event is a great way for all film lovers to experience the artistry and diversity of contemporary Turkish cinema. It’s also a wonderful

opportunity to highlight the Turkish community and promote cultural exchange.

I know that it takes a lot of dedication and hard work from organizers, volunteers and filmmakers to bring an event like this together, and I would like to take this opportunity to commend everyone involved for their efforts to make this Festival a great success.Enjoy the shows everyone!

Sincerely,

Christy Clark | PREMIER of BRITISH COLUMBIA

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOROn behalf of my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my best wishes to the organizers, volunteers and filmmakers of the 2016 Vancouver Turkish Film Festival.

As Mayor, I am proud of our thriving arts community and I am always pleased to see the growth of Film Festivals in the city’s arts calendar for the year. After their inaugural event in January 2015, the organizers of the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival have committed to making VTFF a staple and a new favourite for film lovers across the city. This will be a great opportunity for Turkish producers, directors and writers to share their unique and creative film talents with us. I want to thank all of the organizers, volunteers and filmmakers who have worked hard to make this promising new festival a success.

We hope everyone has the opportunity to experience contemporary Turkish Cinema. Have a great Festival!

Sincerely,

Gregor Robertson | MAYOR of VANCOUVER

While locally produced movies have been greatly enjoyed and received popular support, the international profile of the industry continued to rise as well. We have established traditions to complete this picture of success. The Turkish film industry celebrates its achievements every year at the Altın Portakal (Golden Orange) Film Festival in Antalya - another tourism destination at Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Several other film festivals organized annually in all major cities with ever increasing popularity is a testimony to the growing Turkish cinema and its interaction worldwide.

On that note, I wish the Festival every success and congratulate its organizers.

Selçuk Ünal | AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

A LETTER FROM THE CONSUL GENERALDear Film Enthusiasts,

I consider it as an honor to address you for a second year in a row on the occasion of the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival.

Turkish film industry is successful, dynamic and vibrant in terms of capturing the rich cultural, historical, touristic, social and economic aspects of modern Turkey. Turkish films and series are reaching out to the wider audiences not only in the region

surrounding Turkey, but also in distant geographies such as South America. This is mostly due to the enormous growth Turkish film industry has achieved during the last 10 years.

As of 2015, Turkish films reached an audience of more than 60 million spectators in Turkey. This audience has created a net profit of more than 250 million USDs. Overall economic output of the film industry surpassed 1 billion USDs. By the end of 2015, total number of theatre halls was 2376 with a seating capacity of 291270.

OTTAWA

Kedi

DIR Ceyda Torun / Turkey· USA / 2016 / 79 min / (Turkish with English subtitles) SYNOPSIS | Chronicling the lives of Istanbul’s infamous cat populations that are neither wild nor tame, KEDI is a poignant documentary shining light on the unique reciprocity between cats and humans. Filmed using innovative tech-niques that bring us eye to eye with the majestic, furry protagonists, KEDI is a must see for animal lovers —or simply—anyone who feels like taking a stroll in the nostalgic neighbourhoods of Istanbul. Filmmaker Ceyda Torun’s foray into the world of documentary, KEDI proved an audience favourite at this year’s VIFF with three sell-outs.

Album | Albüm· 2016 CANNES CRITICS’ WEEK

DIR Mehmet Can Mertoğlu / Turkey· Romania· France / 2016 / 105 min (Turkish with English Subtitles)SYNOPSIS | Having garnered much praise and a subsequent Visionary Award at 2016 Cannes Critics’ Week, Mehmet Can Mertoğlu’s debut feature film ALBÜM tells the story of an ordinary, middle class civil servant couple who goes to extreme lengths to conceal the provenance of their adopted child. Heavily influenced by the dark humour and deadpan absurdism characteristic of the Romanian New Wave, ALBÜM is a clever satire sure to offer unique moments of laughter—and plenty of jaw-dropping (!) moments—in its quest to question the social stigma attached to infertility in today’s Turkey.

My Mother’s Wound | Annemin Yarası

DIR Ozan Açıktan / Turkey / 2016 / 120 min / (Turkish with English subtitles)SYNOPSIS | Upon turning 18, Salih leaves the orphanage to find his lost family and begins working on a Serbian farm. Suddenly, at the most unexpected moment he has found a home. Will he ever be able to let go of the ghosts of his past and be happy in this new life? As tension escalates disquieting secrets surface… A gripping tale of family, love and identity, My Mother’s Wound follows Salih as he searches for a trail of hope amongst war-torn lives. This ambitious drama draws attention to the remnants of the Bosnian war. The film boasts an impressive cast of Meryem Uzerli, Ozan Guven, Belcim Bilgin, Okan Yalabik and Bora Akkas.

The Turkish Way | OPENING FILM

DIR Luis González / Spain / 2016 / 86 min / (Spanish and Turkish with English subtitles)SYNOPSIS | The Turkish Way follows world renowned Spanish chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca [Three-Michelin, Best Restaurant in the World 2013], and his brothers Jordi [pastry chef] and Josep [sommelier], in their quest to uncover hidden gastronomical gems of Turkey, that is—everything savoury, sweet and wine. Filmed over two years, their culinary journey takes them through Turkey—from the majestic landscape of Cappadocia to the idyllic vineyards of Thrace—to learn about Turkish traditions first-hand from cooks, artisans and winemakers. The final chapter features in-depth interviews with new wave Turkish chefs Mehmet Gürs [Mikla Istanbul] and Maksut Aşkar [Neolokal] who question whether to preserve century old food traditions or rebel, in the hopes of redefining a nation’s cuisine.*Head Chef Maksut Aşkar of Istanbul’s Neolokal will be in attendance.

SELECT FILMS· NOVEMBER 25-27, 2016

Saturday Nov 26 | 3:50 pm

Saturday Nov 26 | 1:45 pm

Saturday Nov 26 | 12:00 pm

Friday Nov 25 | 7:00 pm

cocktail8:30 pm

Ope Film

Special Guest

Cold of Kalandar | Kalandar Soğuğu· 2017 Oscar Submission DIR Mustafa Kara / Turkey· Hungary / 2016 / 134 min / (Turkish with English Subtitles)SYNOPSIS | Shot over four seasons with immense production challenges, Turkey’s 2017 Oscar contender Cold of Kalandar is the epic survival story of a family living in isolation, on the idyllic hills of Turkey’s northern Black Sea region. A cinematographic masterpiece, newcomer Mustafa Kara’s film excels in the creation of tightly knit drama, drawing out tour de force perfor-mances from its entire cast.

*Lead actor Haydar Şişman will be in attendance for a Q&A

Blue Bicycle | Mavi Bisiklet· 2016 BerlinDIR Ümit Köreken / Turkey· Germany / 2016 / 94 min / (Turkish with English subtitles) SYNOPSIS | Having recently swept the International Antalya Film Festival—Tur-key’s largest—winning Best Film, Director and Script, helmer Ümit Köreken’s debut feature Blue Bicycle, set in picturesque, rural Anatolia, chronicles the sto-ry of 12-year-old Ali—an endearing pupil who masterminds an underground campaign to reinstate Elif—his flame—as class representative in defiance of the school’s stern headmaster. Working as a car mechanic after school and helping his mother selling her weaves, Blue Bicycle is the beguiling tale of a young boy’s fight for justice. *Lead actress Nursen Çetin Köreken will be in attendance for a Q&A

Ember | Kor · Official Selection TIFF 2016

DIR Zeki Demirkubuz / Turkey· Germany / 2016 / 115 min / (Turkish with English subtitles) SYNOPSIS | Directed by legendary Turkish auteur Zeki Demirkubuz, Ember is a psychological slow-burner that tells the harrowing story of Aslihan—a seamstress in distress living with her sick son Mete, following the unexpected disappearance of her husband, Cemal. Ziya, [the amazing Taner Birsel from Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Once Upon a Time in Anatolia] Cemal’s former partner, senses her despair and promises to pay for Mete’s heart surgery. The two lonesomes ignite their flame that is quickly reduced to ember upon Cemal’s sudden return. Delving into themes such as guilt, shame and hypocrisy, Demirkubuz meticulously navigates familiar territory that culminates in a critique of modern day society. Masterfully photographed in chiaroscuro, Ember is a must see for the sincere cinephile. Bad Cat | Kötü Kedi Şerafettin DIR Mehmet Kurtuluş & Ayşe Ünal / Turkey / 2016 / 86 min / (Turkish with English Subtitles)SYNOPSIS | The brainchild of Bülent Üstün—the enfant terrible of Turkish caricaturists—Bad Cat tells the tale of Shero, a hot-headed, cynical, sex-crazed Istanbul cat and his partners in crime—Rifki the seagull and Riza the rat. An evening of debauchery is thrown into chaos following the unexpected arrival of Shero’s illegitimate son, along with the accidental death of a housebound feline. Shero must not only face being a father, but also defeat the crazed lunatic trying to avenge his cat’s death. Giving Pixar Studios a run for its money, Bad Cat, ostensibly, is the first ever Turkish animation film to receive wide international acclaim. If you thought Seth Rogen’s Sausage Party was provocative, think again!

SELECT FILMS· NOVEMBER 25-27, 2016

Saturday Nov 26 | 8:30 pm

Sunday Nov 27 | 6:00 pm

Saturday Nov 26 |10:20 pm

Saturday Nov 26 | 6:10 pm

Sunday Nov 27 | 8:45 pm

Special Guest

Special Guest

61 Days | İftarlık GazozDIR Yülksel Aksu / Turkey / 2016 / 115 min / (Turkish with English subtitles)SYNOPSIS | Adem, living in a peaceful Aegean town with his family in 1970s Turkey, is a smart and hardworking boy. Trying to avoid wasting his summer break, he tells his family he wants to work with Soda man Cibar Kemal Usta (Turkey’s household name, Comedian Cem Yilmaz). It is the beginning of Ramadan and he pledges to fast secretly even though his family won’t let him due to his young age. Yet in the Aegean summer heat, it’s no small feat to fast while selling soda. Especially when the atonement for breaking a fast is 61 days! With hunger and thirst draining him, he starts to hallucinate.

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