A new voice in cinema: Belkis Bayrak’s debut feature ‘Gülizar’
A promising start at San Sebastian
Turkish writer-director Belkis Bayrak is making waves with her debut feature film, Gülizar. The film is set to premiere in Europe at the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival, competing in the New Directors Competition. Bayrak expressed her excitement, stating, “It is, of course, an honor to be in competition at San Sebastian with my debut feature. I can’t wait to see the film with a European audience, especially the famed San Sebastian audience!”
A journey through trauma and resilience
Gülizar had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the Discovery section. The film was produced by Bayrak alongside Murat Yaşar Bayrak at Turkey’s Saba Film, in collaboration with Mehmet Bahadir Er of Turkey’s Protim V.P, and co-produced by Valmira Hyseni of Kosovo’s Planbee Films.
The narrative, based on a story by Bayrak and Öktem Başol, is told from the perspective of its titular character, Gülizar, played by Ecem Uzun. After a brutal assault threatens to overshadow her upcoming wedding, her fiancé, Emre (Bekhir Behrem), takes matters into his own hands, seeking retribution. The story unfolds to reveal hidden secrets and harsh truths.
A glimpse into Gülizar’s world
The trailer for Gülizar opens with a serene scene of Gülizar walking through a field, accompanied by a voiceover questioning, “Is your happiness all about getting married?” The teaser then transitions to a dimly lit walkway, showing Gülizar navigating her way forward, with the narration declaring, “I’m happy to have a life of my own.”
As the scene fades to black, an audible struggle ensues, and Gülizar reappears, dressed in a white wedding gown, hyperventilating. The trailer continues to depict the turmoil and exhaustion of trauma, building suspense as the community’s hushed gossip and unsolicited opinions weigh heavily on Gülizar. Determined to find the man responsible for her suffering, her anguish becomes increasingly palpable.
A director’s vision
Bayrak shared her approach to the film, stating, “My main decision was to follow Gülizar’s psychology in every scene, keeping a calm rhythm to capture her emotions amidst the crowd. By portraying a protagonist who is non-verbal during her post-trauma, I wanted to create empathy for why women in the history of harassment cannot speak and self-censor.”
The film delves into the complexities of trauma, societal expectations, and the journey of self-discovery, all through the lens of a woman yearning for her own liberation. Bayrak, raised in a patriarchal society by a matriarchal family, is passionate about sharing Gülizar’s story.
A cast that brings the story to life
The intimate cast of Gülizar includes Hakan Yufkacıgil, Ernest Malazogu, and Aslı İçözü. The film is set to debut to the public on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, Gülizar promises to be a compelling exploration of personal and societal struggles. The film’s focus on a woman’s journey through trauma and resilience is both timely and poignant. Bayrak’s unique perspective as a female filmmaker adds depth to the narrative, making it a must-watch for those interested in stories that challenge societal norms and highlight the strength of the human spirit.
For those who appreciate in-depth character studies and narratives that tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance, Gülizar is a film that should not be missed. The combination of Bayrak’s direction, Uzun’s performance, and the film’s evocative storytelling creates a powerful cinematic experience.
Final thoughts
Gülizar is more than just a film; it is a statement on the complexities of trauma and the resilience required to overcome it. Bayrak’s debut feature is a testament to her talent and vision, and it sets the stage for what promises to be a remarkable career in filmmaking. As the film makes its way to European audiences, it is sure to leave a lasting impact and spark important conversations about the themes it explores.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Gülizar.