4th Annual MFAH Houston Turkish Film Festival: Ivy

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents the 4th Annual MFAH Turkish Film Festival September 29 through October 2. The 4th Houston Turkish Film Festival showcases new films that have entertained and intrigued audiences worldwide.

Special guests include Kaan Müjdeci, director of Sivas, a film about an Anatolian boy and his dog; and Tolga Karaçelik, director of Ivy, a character study about men stranded at sea. Anyone who knows Istanbul will be charmed by another festival selection, The Cats of Istanbul.

Ivy
Director Tolga Karaçelik
Released 2015
Language in Turkish with English subtitles
Country Turkey
Running Time 104 minutes
Format DCP, Color
Website http://www.sarmasikfilmi.com/

Director Tolga Karaçelik is in attendance and joins a Q&A session after the screening.

When a ship’s owner goes bankrupt, a bulk carrier sailing to Egypt is anchored at port because there is a lien on the ship. Officals say that safety regulations require a minimum number of crew members to remain onboard.

Ivy, a gripping character study, follows the six men confined to the ship for 120 days. During that time, the men suffer hunger, thirst, and isolation—all leading to a growing paranoia. As the men argue and struggle against the rules, the ship becomes a hunting ground.

At the 2015 Antalya Film Festival, Ivy won awards for best film, best director, best actor, and best screenplay.

About the Speaker 
Tolga Karaçelik has directed two feature films and several award-winning shorts. His debut film, Toll Booth, screened in festivals around the world, winning 13 awards—including best first film, best actor, and best cinematography at Turkey’s Golden Orange film festival.

His second film, Ivy, premiered at Sundance. Ivy had been awarded more than 20 awards, including best film at East End Film festival of London and best film, best director, best script, and best actor at Golden Orange. Karaçelik was also on the jury in Karlovy Vary this year. He is currently working on his next film, Butterflies.

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/sarmasikfilmi
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/tolgakaracelik