Museum of Innocence Opens on April 28th in Istanbul

"It was the happiest moment of my life, though I did not know it." The novel's opening line
(Image: Duygu Atlas)

Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk is finally launching his grand project, the Museum of Innocence, which is based on his best-selling 2008 book by the same title. The book tells the story of wealthy Kemal’s love for his distant cousin Füsun and his ensuing obsession over her once the love is lost, which is reflected in his assiduous collection of objects which remind him of her. The book became an instant hit not only as a result of Pamuk’s brilliant portrayal of the spirit of Istanbul at the time, but also because Kemal’s attachment to objects, a far too familiar condition for many, stroke a similar sentimental chord with many readers. The book has been translated into nearly 60 languages. 

Beyond the Hill Takes the Istanbul Film Festival’s National Film Award

(Source: http://film.iksv.org/tr/film/260)

Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV - İstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfı), the Istanbul Film Festival celebrated its 31st anniversary this year. The festival’s prestigious Golden Tulip Awards crowned the winners in different categories with Emin Alper’s first feature film Beyond the Hill (Tepenin Ardı) receiving the best national film award. Earlier this year, the movie won the special mention award at the 62nd Berlinale (Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin) and is also to be screened at the Tribeca Film Festival (April 18-29) later this month.