In Tehran, at the Arasbaran Cultural Center, the premiere of the political drama 'Yellow Letters,' directed by German-Turkish filmmaker İlker Çatak, took place on Sunday. Following the screening, there was a session with film critics.
'Yellow Letters' won the Golden Bear at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026, drawing global attention to a story about political persecution, freedom of creativity, and the personal cost of dissent.
The film tells the story of Deree Tufan, played by Özgü Namal, and Aziz Tufan, played by Tansu Biçer. This couple of Turkish theatre figures experiences a dramatic turn after losing their jobs following the premiere of their play.
As professional opportunities disappear, the couple is forced to confront the consequences of political pressure, trying to maintain their relationship and protect their family. Their marriage begins to crumble as the loss of livelihood exposes differences in their reactions to the circumstances.
Çatak served as director and co-screenwriter alongside Ayda Çatak and Enis Köstepen. The cast also included Leyla Sмирna Kabas, İpek Bilgin, Aydın Işık, Aziz Çapkurt, and Yusuf Akgün. 'Yellow Letters' is an international co-production involving Germany, France, and Turkey.
The project was developed over several years with the support of European film institutions. In 2021, the project received a grant of 10,000 euros from the German-Turkish Fund for Co-production Development. In February 2022, it participated in the Berlinale Co-production Market. In November 2022, the project received funding of 65,000 euros from MOIN Filmförderung, an organization that funds cinema for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. Eurimages, the Council of Europe fund, supported the production with an additional 368,000 euros in November 2023. International sales were managed by Be For Films.
The main filming took place in Hamburg and Berlin, which were used as stand-ins for the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul. Filming concluded in July 2024. One of the shooting locations was the main auditorium of the Berliner Ensemble, where a scene involving about 250 extras was filmed.
After its premiere in Berlin, the film was released in Germany on March 5, 2026, through Alamode Film. It was also included in the Horizons section of the 60th Kieślowski Film Festival, where it was shown from July 3 to 7. Subsequently, the production was included in the official program of the 71st Valladolid International Film Festival for its Spanish debut.
The Golden Bear was not the only award the film received in Germany; it also won the Prize of the Guild of German Art-House Cinemas. At the German Film Grand Prix 2026, 'Yellow Letters' was nominated for Best Feature Film, Best Director for Çatak, Best Screenplay for Çatak, Ayda Maryem Çatak, and Köstepen, Best Actress for Namal, Best Actor for Biçer, Best Cinematography for Judith Kaufmann, Best Editing for Geza Jäger, and Best Set Design for Zazi Knepper. Marvin Miller won the award for Best Original Music.
The film received generally positive reviews from critics. Its reception reflects a constant interest in political dramas that explore how restrictions on freedom of expression affect not only public life but also private relationships and the daily decisions of people caught in their aftermath. Through the story of two theatre workers facing career loss, 'Yellow Letters' analyzes the intersection of political pressure, artistic expression, and family life. Its international production and festival journey helped present these themes to audiences beyond Turkey and Germany.