Turkish drama wins Best Film Award at UK film festival

ISTANBUL

The directorial debut “Daha” (More) by Turkish actor Onur Saylak, won the Best Film Award at the East End Film Festival (EEFF), one of the United Kingdom’s largest film festivals. 

The film focuses on a quiet and sullen teenager in a coastal town in Turkey whose life is corrupted by his father’s people smuggling business. Adapted from Hakan Günday’s award-winning novel, the film is a brilliant and harrowing portrayal of Europe’s refugee crisis starring Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan, Hayat Van Eck, Tuba Büyüküstün and Uğur Aslan. 

A jury comprising of radio and TV host Edith Bowman, film producer Dominic Buchanan, actress Ophelia Lovibond, and screenwriter and critic Kate Muir chose the film for the award. 

“Such a raw story. Really stayed with me,” said Bowman. “Great performances and an incredible first outing for Onur Saylak,” she said. 

Other jury members echoed the opinion, describing “Daha” as terrific, gripping and emotionally devastating. 

“Daha” was one of eight shortlisted films screened in the competition. 

An annual not-for-profit multi-platform festival held in London, the EEFF presents a rich and diverse program of international premieres, industry masterclasses, free pop-up screenings and immersive live events. 

The EEFF’s mission is to discover, support, and exhibit pioneering work by global and local independent filmmakers, and to introduce viewers to innovative and challenging cinematic experiences.