American theater expert and Broadway critic Dr. Amina Zhaman claimed that music, literature, and theater are on the rise in Turkish independent cinema, citing the trilogy by Prof. Dr. Ceyhan Kandemir as an example.

In her statements to the digital media and communication magazine PR Carnet, Dr. Amina Zhaman shared her observations about Turkish cinema. Referring to Prof. Dr. Ceyhan Kandemir’s trilogy, she said:

Zhaman: “Music, literature, and theater play a significant role in Kandemir’s trilogy.”

I watched Ceyhan Kandemir’s trilogy—Karla (2019), Stain of the Soul (2022), and Where the Butterflies Sleep (2024)—in reverse order. Yet, each installment stood on its own, unique, clear, and complete. For me, it was a true journey—from the wisdom of the third chapter to the chaos of the second and the joy of the first. Ceyhan Kandemir’s collaboration with screenwriter Nafiseh Laleh was remarkably productive. Over five years, they produced three feature films that won numerous awards at national and international film festivals in Turkey. Prof. Dr. Ceyhan Kandemir, a faculty member at Istanbul University, dedicated this trilogy to his daughter, Karla.

Karla delivered outstanding performances in all three films. She played the lead in both Karla and Where the Butterflies Sleep and made a beautiful cameo in Stain of the Soul. Her scene brought a refreshing breath of air into the life of the main character, a renowned guitarist. Interestingly, both characters had read the same book—Shaun Tan’s The Red Tree. Considering Karla’s childhood exposure to works by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Ralph Waldo Emerson, Tan’s illustrated book on depression and loneliness doesn’t seem like an unusual choice for a smart girl. I must emphasize that literature, music, and theater play crucial roles in Ceyhan Kandemir’s trilogy.

In Karla, the director masterfully shows us the behind-the-scenes of a puppet theater, making a delightful cameo appearance as an audience member. Actor Çağlayan Sevincer portrayed Karla’s father with incredible depth. The joyful interactions between Karla and puppet master Çağlayan brought a great deal of happiness to the screen. In Stain of the Soul, Ceyhan Kandemir takes us into the world of flamenco, reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar’s The Flower of My Secret (1995), starring Joaquín Cortés. Meanwhile, in the feature film Where the Butterflies Sleep, viewers witness a gripping theatrical performance by islanders, led by Cansu Özdenak, who delivers a magnificent performance. Given the events that unfold, it’s hardly surprising that one of the characters, Ali Kadri Bey, loses his ability to speak afterward.

Zhaman: “It’s Impossible to Take Your Eyes Off Her”

Cansu Özdenak co-produced the film alongside Özkan Binol. Additionally, she wrote the lyrics and performed the main themes in Ceyhan Kandemir’s trilogy. Whenever Özdenak appears on screen, she brings vitality and allure. Even when she isn’t singing or speaking, it’s impossible to take your eyes off her. She possesses a class rarely seen in modern cinema.

The breathtaking outdoor scenes across the trilogy left me spellbound. Cinematographer Murat Çınar created a unique atmosphere in Karla. The scene where the father and daughter ride a motorcycle feels like a Vincent van Gogh painting: blue skies with white clouds, golden wheat fields, and lush green trees. The vibrancy of Ceyhan Kandemir’s film resembles the works of Pedro Almodóvar. Walls, plates, interiors—everything radiates its own vivid hue. And don’t even get me started on the royal breakfasts… The characters don’t need to step out to visit a bakery; warm simits are always available in their homes.

Zhaman: “Ceyhan Kandemir’s Trilogy Brings Many Tourists to Turkey”

Dr. Onur Akyol’s unforgettable shots of Istanbul in Stain of the Soul inspired me to pack my bags and revisit Galata Tower and the Bozdoğan Aqueduct as soon as possible. Similarly, cinematographer Ahmet Serdar Taşyürek excelled in Where the Butterflies Sleep, capturing the stunning landscapes of Gökçeada. Watching these views was a true pleasure. Now I know exactly where the butterflies sleep—my next stop is Çanakkale.

Ceyhan Kandemir’s trilogy draws numerous tourists to Turkey. And the number keeps growing with every successful screening—whether at the Antakya Film Festival, Kadıköy Cinema, Güzel Ordu International Film Festival, Golden Horn International Film Festival, Istanbul International Nartugan Film Festival, or the International TV and Film Festival Slav Tales.

Zhaman: “Karla Grew Up Before Our Eyes”

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” The trilogy’s protagonist, Karla, grew up before our eyes. Not only did she remain an artist, but she also found her place in life—rooted in the beautiful country of Turkey.