End of Fame

Director: Orhan Aksoy
Release Year: 1981
Original title: Şöhretin Sonu

"Şöhretin Sonu" (The End of Fame), directed by Orhan Aksoy in 1981, is a thought-provoking Turkish drama documentary that intricately weaves together the complex themes of fame, gender transition, societal acceptance, and personal struggle. The film follows the life of Bülent Ersoy, one of Turkey's most iconic and controversial figures, whose journey from manhood to womanhood is depicted in a deeply realistic and emotional narrative.

Transformation

Directors: Saeed Mayahy and Miriam Carlsen
Release Year: 2023

In the months following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, a young couple from Kabul, Malika and Mohamed, found themselves navigating the dark, complex streets of Zeytinburnu, a predominantly Afghan neighborhood in Istanbul. Seeking refuge from the brutalities they left behind in Afghanistan, including the threat of an honor killing and the Taliban's deadly punishments, they dreamed of cultivating their forbidden love in a place where they could be free.

Trans X Istanbul

Director: Maria Binder
Release Year: 2014

"Trans X Istanbul" (2014), directed by Maria Binder, is a poignant documentary that delves into the lives of transgender individuals in Turkey, particularly focusing on Ebru, a transgender woman from Istanbul. The film explores the increasing violence against transgender people in Turkey, shedding light on their struggles for survival in a society that often marginalizes and persecutes them. The film not only captures the personal journey of Ebru, but also highlights the systemic issues faced by the transgender community in a society where hate crimes against them often go unpunished, and where societal and state exclusion is pervasive.