.png "Venice - One of Those Days When Hemme Dies (Hemme'nin Öldüğü Günlerden Biri)")
AM: What motivated you to tell this story, and what inspired your decision to bring it to life?
MF: I had other projects in mind, but this story appeared to be more feasible as my first feature film. It came to me suddenly, almost as if it was a flash of inspiration. I believed it would be easier to bring to life, so I chose to pursue it. While most films typically focus on urban life and the challenges of modern society, I wanted to take a different approach. My goal was to steer clear of common themes and concentrate on more fundamental human issues. I sought to break away from prevailing narratives and explore something more existential.
AM: What was the filming location for the movie, and why is it significant to you?
MF: The film is set in Siverek, my hometown in southeastern Turkey, close to the borders of Syria and Iraq. I am very familiar with this geography because it is where I was born and where my family resides. During my visits to see my family, the imagery of the city—the golden yellow grasses, vibrant red tomatoes, and green trees wilted by the sun—stayed with me. These visuals inspired the creation of the film. I financed the entire project using borrowed money, maxing out my credit cards and taking out bank loans. It was a surreal experience to have 20 people working collaboratively under such intense conditions. Although I don't naturally see myself as a leader, everything came together seamlessly. Together, we crafted something that I hope is truly beautiful.
AM: The film juxtaposes tradition and modernity, reflecting the transformations occurring in Turkey. Was your intention to present a broader representation of your country?
MF: Honestly, I didn't intentionally aim to do that while writing the script. However, after viewing the film multiple times during the editing process, I can now see how everything aligns with your observation. The main character, Eyüp, embodies Turkey itself—a nation wrestling with its own contradictions. While this wasn’t a deliberate goal, it naturally evolved as the story developed.
AM: The film explores themes of masculinity, violence, and the protagonist's sense of pride. Could you expand on these concepts?
MF: While themes such as masculinity, violence, and pride are indeed central to the story, I find them to be somewhat trivial in the grand scheme of things. What truly matters are fundamental human needs like food, shelter, security, and the concept of human dignity. These are the concerns that arise when people are struggling to survive. Growing up with three older sisters, I was always surrounded by women, and I have always wanted to tell a story that focuses on their experiences. Perhaps in the future, I will have the opportunity to share a narrative from a female perspective.