Turkish film inspired by harsh conditions refugee children face

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) continues to broadcast new films during "TRT Home Theater" hour. "Bir Gün Bir Çocuk" (One Day, One Child), one of 33 films produced as a part of TRT's TV Films Project, will be screened soon.

Director and scriptwriter of "Bir Gün Bir Çocuk" Sinan Sertel told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the film is his first feature-length project and that the process for writing the script began three years ago.



The film focuses on Mete, a successful and rich pedagogue. Although he has everything he needs financially, he cannot find true happiness. "Bir Gün Bir Çocuk" follows Mete as he experiences a drastic change in life and perspective. "Mete is compelled to visit a Sevgi Evi (Love House), where disadvantaged children live under the protection of the state. When he observes the children in the Sevgi Evi, he sees that children who do not have anything are very happy and this changes his view on life." Sevgi Evi's are an alternative to orphanages and foster care.

Although Mete, who has been married to Aslı for seven years, does not want kids, his opinion changes after his visit to the Sevgi Evi. Sertel said that "Bir Gün Bir Çocuk" focuses on the importance of hope and social bonds.

He states that after visiting a refugee camp and seeing the refuge children, he decided to write the script. "The film does not discriminate between children. Every child, orphan or not, are human beings who are actually stronger than most adults. I wanted to encourage children to hold on to life tightly, and inspire hope in the future. This was my motivation before I began filming the film and I hope that I succeeded. I believe that the audience will find something for them in the film as well. We can say that 'Bir Gün Bir Çocuk' is a film about finding hope in the Sevgi Evi."

Setal expressed thanks to the TRT TV Films Project, adding that it is a great honor to be a part of the project. "The project is an important step to improve the Turkish cinema industry. I believe that this project will guide directors like me who are torn between box-office success and making art films. It is tricky to choose and requires experience. In that sense, the TRT TV Films Project is an important move for the future of Turkish cinema. I think it will be a breaking point for the entire industry."

Cemil Büyükdöğerli played the protagonist Mete, accompanied by Mehmet Usta, Denizhan Akbaba, Veysi Aslan, Yiğitalp Karadayı, Oğulcan Kaya, Çağan Efe Ak, Burak Oruç, Ahmet Harun Şimşek, Mehmet Acar, Nimet Gürbüz, Oğulcan Aşıkoğlu, Yaşar Uzel and Renan Karagözoğlu. The director of cinematography of "Bir Gün Bir Çocuk" is İlker Berke and the music was made by Ali Saran. Produced by Turgay Şahin, "Bir Gün bir Çocuk" will be broadcast on TRT tonight at 8 p.m.

Turkish rapper Yener Çevik composed and wrote a song titled "Hu Hu Komşu Komşu" (Hi There Neighbor) and the music video has already received almost 45,000 hits on YouTube and become a hit on social media. "Although the song was written before the failed coup attempt on July 15," said Sertel, "its lyrics describe our times; the song stresses the importance of unity and solidarity and draws attention to discrimination based on language and race. In the video, Çevik wears a T-shirt on which there is a tow truck towing a tank. It is like a symbol for Turkish people's fight against the coup plotters."