Filmmaker İlker Çatak tackles the difficult issue of state repression through his new film, Yellow Letters. The movie follows an artist couple from Ankara, Derya and Aziz, as they face layoffs and lose their home due to their involvement in the arts. The couple must navigate their changing relationship while fighting for their values amidst a government crackdown.
Çatak’s inspiration came from real-life cases of Turkish artists being laid off without reason, including mass layoffs that took place in Turkey. He also wanted to explore the complexities of marriage and artistic expression. To give his film a more universal tone, Çatak chose German cities to stand in for Turkish ones.
The film has sparked conversations about artistic freedom and its importance in modern times. Çatak emphasizes the need for artists to use their privilege responsibly and to stand up against those who try to silence them.
Çatak is currently working on several projects, including an adaptation of David Szalay’s Booker Prize-winning novel, Flesh. His upcoming TV show, based on Bernhard Schlink’s The Granddaughter, will explore themes of masculinity and identity. With Yellow Letters, Çatak has once again shown his commitment to telling powerful stories that challenge audiences to think critically about the world around them.
Çatak notes that artistic expression is not just a privilege but also a responsibility, one that requires artists to stay true to their values while navigating the pressures of fame and success. As he continues to explore new projects, Çatak remains dedicated to using his platform to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/yellow-letters-film-berlin-2026-ilker-catak-interview-1236501234