Zencirci and Giovanetti discuss their motivations for choosing this potent subject matter, their research into the cultural context of the era, and the universal themes of female empowerment and societal pressures explored within the film. They also share their perspectives on the film's Berlinale premiere and what it represents for Turkish cinema.
AM: What inspired the specific setting of a 1999 earthquake hotline in your film, and how did this choice shape the narrative and thematic focus?
Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti: The 1999 Istanbul earthquake, and its similarities to the 2023 earthquake, directly inspired the film's setting. We wanted to explore the emotional impact of such a disaster without resorting to graphic imagery. A hotline operator provided a unique perspective, allowing us to portray the chaos and emotional toll indirectly through sound and the operator's reactions. This choice amplified the film's thematic exploration of human connection and resilience during times of crisis.
AM: The film relies heavily on sound design and the emotional performance of a single actor. How did you approach these elements during production and post-production to maximize their impact?
Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti: Sound design was central to the film's impact. We collaborated closely with our sound engineer, Olivier Pelletier, throughout the entire process. During filming, we paid meticulous attention to capturing a rich soundscape, carefully considering every nuance of the audio. Post-production involved extensive work on sound mixing and editing, ensuring that the aural landscape perfectly complements and enhances Saadet I?ıl Aksoy's powerful performance. We aimed to create an immersive experience for the audience, drawing them into the emotional world of the hotline operator.
AM: You've worked together for many years. How has your collaborative process evolved, and what specific strategies did you employ to navigate the challenges of a limited budget and tight shooting schedule on this particular project?
Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti: Our collaboration has been built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision. Over time, our roles have become more defined, allowing for an efficient workflow. With a limited budget, our pre-production planning was meticulous. We carefully storyboarded every scene, ensuring clarity for the team. The tight schedule required precise execution and unwavering commitment from everyone involved. Our team’s dedication and shared understanding of the project’s goals helped us overcome the limitations and achieve our creative aims.
AM: The film touches upon themes of female solidarity and empowerment. How did you approach these themes in your storytelling, and what message do you hope audiences take away from Sabiha’s experiences?
Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti: Sabiha's story is about resilience, empathy, and navigating challenging situations. While the setting highlights the vulnerability of women, it also demonstrates the powerful bonds they forge to support each other. We aimed to present a nuanced portrayal of female strength, highlighting their capacity for both emotional depth and resilience. The message we hope viewers take away is one of solidarity, self-discovery, and the importance of genuine human connection, even amidst crisis.
AM: How did your participation in the Berlinale influence your perspectives on the reception and future prospects of Turkish cinema on the international stage?
Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti: Berlinale provided a valuable platform for showcasing Turkish cinema internationally. The festival's positive reception reinforced our belief in the quality and potential of Turkish filmmaking. We hope that our film's success will encourage international audiences to explore a wider range of Turkish films and create new opportunities for Turkish filmmakers to share their stories on a global scale.