Turkish film about life of Yoruks wins 2 awards in US

Directed by Iffet Eren Danisman Boz and produced by Eyup Boz on behalf of IEDB Film, "Turna Misali" received two awards in the categories of best feature film and best cinematography.

Turna Misali" tells the story of the Aksak family, a branch of the Sarikecili Yoruks, and explores the clash between their traditional migratory lifestyle and the pressures to settle down. The movie was also selected as the opening film of the three-day festival.

Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of Türkiye in New York Tugay Sen was present at the screening of the film.

Director Boz told Anadolu Agency correspondent, “We are very happy to be deemed worthy of two important awards in a country that is a pioneer in the film industry. Just like the Indians and the Masai Indians, our film about the nomads still living in our country, who are stuck between traditional and modern life, defends everyone's right to be like themselves and live like themselves.”

Boz also stated they are “very proud to have introduced Turkish cinema and Turkish culture to America.”

"Turna Misali" began production in 2021 and was shot under challenging conditions and with a limited budget due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the film had its world premiere at the prestigious 34th Tokyo Film Festival and has since returned home with awards from numerous local and foreign festivals.

The movie previously won nearly 10 awards, including best film at the Nartugan Film Festival (2023), special jury award” at the International Women Directors Festival (2023) and mother of cultural exchange at the Anchorage International Film Festival (2022).

Who are Yoruks?

Yoruks are a nomadic or semi-nomadic Turkmen community that traditionally lives in the mountainous and rural areas of Türkiye and some other Middle Eastern countries. These communities usually move around with small herds and make a living from animal husbandry and agriculture. Yoruks originate from Central Asia and are considered part of the Turkic tribes.

Traditionally, the Yoruks are nomadic people. They migrate to the highlands in summer and to warmer and more sheltered areas in winter. These migrations are planned according to their need to graze and feed their animals. However, with modernization and urbanization, the lifestyle of nomads has changed significantly, and many of them have now settled down.

Source: Newsroom