A tense scene from the Turkish documentary Kedi.
A documentary about what it’s like to be a cat in Istanbul is coming to town as part of the Turkish Film Festival.
First screened to three sold-out houses with this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival, Kedi chronicles the lives of Istanbul’s cat population. The acclaimed “furcumentary” (sorry/not sorry!) uses innovative filming techniques to bring audiences eye-to-eye with its four-legged protagonists. Kedi has been described as “a must-see for animal lovers—or simply—anyone who feels like taking a stroll in the nostalgic neighbourhoods of Istanbul.” It’s one of a number of delights screening as part of this year’s Turkish Film Festival (Nov. 25-27 at Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St.). And it’s not even the only cat film!
The other is Bülent Üstün’s Bad Cat. Üstün has been called “the enfant terrible of Turkish caricaturists,” and this animated tale lives up to this reputation with its Shero, the hot-headed, cynical, sex-crazed Istanbul cat of the title. Apparently, Bad Cat gives Seth Rogen’s 2016 animated feature Sausage Party a run for its R-rated money.
A scene from Bad Cat or the next Donald Trump meme?
Other highlights of the three-day film festival include:
The Turkish Way – The festival’s opening gala film follows world renowned Spanish chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca along with his brothers Jordi, a pastry chef, and Josep, a sommelier, in their quest to uncover the hidden gastronomical gems of Turkey. The screening doubles as a celebration of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, with food, drink, and a goodie bag for all attendees.
Ember – “A psychological slow-burner” about a seamstress living with her sick son, following the unexpected disappearance of her husband, Ember is described as a critique of modern Turkish society. It was directed by Zeki Demirkubuz, a legendary Turkish auteur.
A scene from Ember, screening as part of this year’s Turkish Film Festival.
Cold of Kalandar – Turkey’s Oscar submission this year is about Mehmet, a man who would rather prospect for gold than work in a mine. The film earned director Mustafa Kara the Best Director prize at the Tokyo Film Festival. (Lead actor Haydar Şişman will be in attendance for a Q-and-A).
For screening times and ticket info visit viff.org.
