‘Film is tribute to district and the artichoke’
A MOVIE premiere this month directed by local filmmaker Cemal Yıldırım features members of the Mormenekşe Women’s Union in a story of the village from the 1960s.
Stuffed Artichoke was written by union head Erşen Ummanel, who also stars in the production with Mehmet Ali Onay, Nazime Balses and Hasan Kayıplar.
Mr Yıldırım, a Bayrak TV cameraman, has already directed the feature films As the Sun Sets and The Key, plus documentaries A Galatya Wedding and a history of Bayrak Radio and TV highlighting its role in the Turkish Cypriot resistance.
The Gönyeli-based director said: “I thank the people of Mormenekşe and the women’s association who acted and assisted in this short film’s production as volunteers with no expectation of reward.”
He also thanked the Dr Fazıl Küçük Foundation, the TRNC Presidency and Yeniboğaziçi Municipality for their support.
Mr Yıldırım was assisted by visual and artistic directors Fuat Sözen and Sebnem Elings.
Erşen Ummanel said: “Thanks to support from the Culture Department, we are happy and proud to commemorate Dr Fazıl Küçük with the deep love and respect of the Turkish Cypriot people.”
The Mormenekşe Women’s Union aims to support production and increase local women’s participation in social and cultural life to raise their confidence and motivation.
She added: “This film is also a lasting tribute to our community, our district and the artichoke for which the area is famed. Our aim is to shed light on the future, reach people’s hearts and lead free and productive lives.”
The gala night launches at 6.30pm on Wednesday at the capital’s Atatürk Cultural Centre and is open to the public at no cost.