"Katircilar" (Muleteers) stands as one of the most accomplished films in the realm of "Turkish Cinema" that purports to depict the people of the southeastern region without uttering a single word of Kurdish or even acknowledging the existence of Kurds.
My father was particularly fond of this film, frequently revisiting his VHS copy. It's disheartening to witness the current state of Kadir Inanir, who once graced the screen in such powerful roles.
Aysegül Aldinç, on the other hand, remains as timeless as ever. It's a blessing that time has been kind to some individuals.
However, the fact that the film was shot in southeastern Turkey (Bingöl) without a single word of Kurdish spoken creates a sense of artificiality that I find hard to overlook.
Let no one regale me with tales of "it was forbidden back then." The very actors who starred in these films were frequenting Istanbul's nightlife, engaging in activities far more illicit than speaking Kurdish, and gracing the covers of gossip magazines.
"Katircilar," directed by Serif Gören, tells the story of a group of villagers, soldiers, and a journalist who embark on a perilous journey through the snow-covered mountains of southeastern Turkey. The film's stunning cinematography captures the harsh beauty of the landscape, while the performances, particularly that of Kadir Inanir, are both nuanced and powerful.
The film's narrative, while ostensibly apolitical, subtly critiques the social and political realities of the region. The characters' struggles against the elements and their own internal conflicts mirror the broader challenges faced by the people of southeastern Turkey.
Despite its flaws, "Katircilar" remains a powerful and thought-provoking film that deserves recognition for its artistic merit and its subtle commentary on a complex and often misunderstood region. It's a testament to the power of cinema to transcend political boundaries and to illuminate the human condition in all its complexity.
