Berlinale Award-winning Turkish Director Unveils New Film at 2026 SIFF

Director Reis Çelik met the media on June 14 alongside members of the cast and crew of his latest film, "Night of Blindness," a Turkish-German co-production that is competing in the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival.

The film is the second installment in Çelik's "Night Trilogy." The trilogy's first film, "Night of Silence" (2012) won the Crystal Bear in the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival.

Based on Çelik's real-life experience, the film is set during Turkey's 1980 military coup and follows Fatma, a left-wing activist on the run. Hiding in a cramped space between wooden planks, she must trust a group of construction workers she has never met to help her avoid capture.

Although the film draws on Çelik's own experiences, he deliberately chose to tell the story through a female protagonist.

"Many countries have experienced political oppression, and most films dealing with these issues feature male protagonists," Çelik said. "By centering the story on a woman, I wanted to offer a female perspective and give women a stronger voice within this genre."

The film's lead actors, Aydin Orak and İşdar Gökşeven, also attended the event. Orak plays the sheriff, while Gökşeven portrays a military officer. Both actors said their first visit to Shanghai had been an enjoyable experience.

Speaking about the film's relevance to Chinese audiences, Çelik said the work seeks to highlight realities that are often overlooked or ignored.

"Turkey and China share certain similarities in their historical experiences and worldviews," he said. "I believe Chinese audiences will be able to connect with the story and its themes."