Directed by Cypriot Serkan Nihat, ‘Exodus’ brings to the silver screen the aftermath of the July 15 social genocide in Turkey, focusing on the forced departure of individuals labeled as terrorists, including a university lecturer, a police officer, a Yazidi, and a Kurdish artist. The film had its global debut at the 74th Berlin Film Festival in Germany, as part of the European Film Market (EFM) program, with the premiere taking place at Berlin’s renowned Gropius Bau Cinema, attended by the film’s producers, director, and cast.
Shot across London, Cyprus, and Istanbul, ‘Exodus’ stars Denis Oister, Ãœmit Ãœlgen, Selen Cabel, Dilan Derya Zeynilli, Murat Zeynilli, DoÄŸa Çelik, Günce AteÅŸ, and Azra Çiftçi, delving into migration, refugee crises, and exile – some of humanity’s most pressing issues. The narrative extends beyond the main characters, portraying a diverse group of individuals from various countries, each grappling with their forms of persecution and clinging to the hope of finding a haven of safety and freedom.
In discussing the film, Nihat revealed he approached the project with paternal empathy, asserting, “I empathized with them. The film will resonate with viewers on a personal level.” Addressing comparisons to ‘Midnight Express,’ Nihat distinguished ‘Exodus’ as non-propagandistic, emphasizing its commitment to human rights and its foundation on real-life stories. “My aim was to humanize refugees and convey their struggles,” Nihat explained, highlighting the film’s intent to shed light on the human aspect of the refugee experience.
