Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has banned the release of OY’una Geldik, a political comedy. The film, starring veteran actor İlyas Salman and directed by award-winning filmmaker Kazım Öz, explores the complexities of local politics and election dynamics in Turkey. The decision to ban the movie has sparked criticism, with the director vowing to challenge the ruling through legal means.
 |
The film’s title OY’una Geldik is a double entendre, translating both to “We’ve been fooled” and “We’ve come to vote [for you].” The film follows the story of Hıdır Diri, a candidate from the ruling party who secures victory in a local election, only to face the realities of political corruption, public dissatisfaction, and the conflicting interests of powerful factions. The movie sheds light on the often contentious and intricate workings of municipal politics in Turkey.
 |
sheds light on the often contentious and intricate workings of municipal politics in Turkey.
Set in the politically significant town of Ovacık—a Kurdish-majority district and the only one to elect a communist mayor in the 2014 Turkish local elections—the film draws inspiration from real political events. After the victory of communist mayor Fatih Mehmet Maçoğlu, his position was later succeeded by Mustafa Sarıgül from Turkey’s main opposition party, CHP, following the 2019 elections.
 |
Sarıgül was later accused of being a member of a terrorist organization and was deposed by the government. He has a writer credit in OY’una Geldik. The movie also features appearances by Tunceli Mayor Cevdet Konak and Ovacık Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül.
- Mayor removed, replaced in Kars’ Kağızman district, Turkey
- Turkey: Crackdown on opposition continues with new arrests, investigations
A portion of the film’s proceeds was intended to support the preservation of Munzur Valley’s natural ecosystem and its wildlife, making its ban even more controversial among environmental and cultural activists.
 |
Ministry’s justification for the ban of “Oy’una geldik”
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism cited legal provisions under Turkey’s Cinema Evaluation and Classification Law (Law No. 5224) to justify the ban. According to the ministry’s statement, OY’una Geldik was reviewed by the Classification and Evaluation Board, which found the film unsuitable for commercial screening under Article 7 of the law. This article simply states: “Films that are deemed unsuitable as a result of classification cannot be commercially distributed or screened.” The legal text does not appear to provide parameters for what constitutes an acceptable or unacceptable film.Director Kazım Öz condemned the decision, stating: “Our film’s release has been banned. In the 21st century, the government has chosen to ban a comedy film, marking yet another dark stain in its history. We will exhaust all legal avenues to ensure our film reaches audiences.”
- Co-Mayors from pro-Kurdish party detained and replaced in Mersin’s Akdeniz district
- Istanbul mayor under investigation by prosecutors office
Delayed release and censorship concerns
The film had already faced delays, with its scheduled release postponed by a week due to bureaucratic obstacles. Kazım Öz stated that although the production team had applied for the necessary screening permits 45 days in advance, they were only informed a day before the release that the approval process was incomplete.
OY’una Geldik has raised concerns about increasing censorship in Turkey’s entertainment industry, particularly regarding films with political themes.
Turkey has a long history of political satire, but recent years have seen increasing restrictions on films, books, and other forms of artistic expression that critique the government. As legal battles unfold, the fate of the film, as well as broader implications for Turkish cinema remain uncertain.
Medyascope'un günlük e-bülteni
Andaç'a abone olun
Editörlerimizin derlediği öngörüler, analizler, Türkiye’yi ve dünyayı şekillendiren haberler, Medyascope’un e-bülteni Andaç‘la her gün mail kutunuzda.
