Present Tense

Soner, who is in his adolescence, loses his close friend dog Şifo. He wanders the streets of Istanbul in search of Şifo.

The film deals with the problems experienced when a man who is released from prison returns home. Tarik is about to get out of the prison he has been in for six years. He married Nurten a few days before he went to prison, but hasn't seen her for years. Nurten lives with Tarık's family after Tarık goes to prison. During the years Tarık was in prison, she became close to her husband's brother Fikret and became pregnant. When Tarik is released, he will both try to get used to the new life outside and confront his wife and brother's relationship. (Derived from tsa.org.tr)

The story of a young woman entering the world of filmmaking as assistant director to Bilge Olgaç and the two years they worked together. Through her diary, Belmin Söylemez explores what she learned from Bilge Olgaç, the most productive woman director in the history of Turkish Cinema. The film also gives us clues on filmmaking in Turkey in the late 80’s. From tough shooting conditions to 35 mm editing, we discover Olgaç’s world through her assistant’s eyes. ‘Bilge and Her Apprentice’ pays tribute to the life and work of Bilge Olgaç, who passed away in 1994.

Aylin, a business student who dreams of becoming an actress, wants to land the role of a concubine in an Ottoman TV series. Frida rehearses her unfinished play on the streets. Famous actress Lale struggles to keep her theater afloat. The paths of the three women cross in Istanbul at Lale's course.

Video-documentary about Istanbul taxi drivers. Traffic reveals the character of the big city, reflects the behavior patterns. For many people it is part of the boring routine, but for others it is a way of life. 34 Taxi is a video-documentary work that tells Istanbul from the point of view of taxi drivers. The film, shot mostly during the journeys, is based on the conversations of taxi drivers with their customers.

Turkish men talk about their moustache. They discuss the importance of the moustache from a social, historical, political and aesthetic point of view. Is the moustache a symbol of masculinity? Does it have a heroic meaning? Does it represent one’s political view? The film reflects on these questions from men’s point of view. With her creative outlook, Belmin Söylemez successfully depicts a humorous and lasting portrait of men in Turkey based on the moustache.

The Waves focuses a boy named Emrah's one day on the shores of the Bosphorus.

Another reflection of Söylemez's unique relationship with Istanbul, the film successfully captures the rhythm, rituals and unique atmosphere of Istanbul through the inhabitants of the apartment buildings in a unique urban passageway.