The Turkish film industry is gaining international recognition with the success of Murat Fıratoğlu’s film, One of Those Days When Hemme Dies. Selected as Turkey’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards, the film has garnered attention since its premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival, where it won the special jury prize. The film’s unique approach to storytelling is evident in its opening scene set against a vast tomato farm under the scorching Turkish sun.
Fıratoğlu, who serves as both the writer and director, emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his setting. “It’s not a set,” he asserts. “It’s a setting that I thought would serve the character’s world.” The film follows Eyüp, portrayed by Fıratoğlu himself, who struggles with frustrations over unpaid wages while working in southeastern Turkey. His journey, intended to confront his employer, Hemme, is humorously interspersed with encounters that reflect the cyclical nature of life.
During a recent panel discussion, Fıratoğlu explained that while the narrative is not directly personal, it draws from his experiences as a practicing lawyer. “This theme had always been in my mind — the human condition,” he shared. He believes that despite individual humiliations, life continues to move forward, echoing sentiments from Jon Fosse‘s novel, *Melancholy*. Fıratoğlu noted, “I don’t understand this [binary idea of] happiness and sadness about life. I just want to celebrate it all.”
While the film resonates with universal themes, it also highlights aspects of Turkish culture. Fıratoğlu reflects on the communal nature of his home country, noting that a situation in Turkey would likely be met with a different response than in other places. “Where I’m from, the whole village would stop this from happening,” he remarked, illustrating the deep-rooted cultural values that inform his storytelling.
Fıratoğlu aims for viewers to see Eyüp as relatable, regardless of cultural background. He points out the similarities in modern lifestyles, stating, “With the speed of globalization, I take an Uber and drink Starbucks in Turkey.” His intention is not to deliver a singular message about Turkey, but rather to showcase a broader understanding of human connection.
Transitioning into filmmaking has led to a double life for Fıratoğlu, who balances his legal career with directing. He humorously described a recent film screening followed by a court appearance, stating, “Funny things have started happening to me since this transition.” His commitment to storytelling remains paramount, as he focuses on crafting narratives without expecting rewards in return.
Fıratoğlu is already working on his second film, which he produced with a small team of five people to manage budget constraints. He finds freedom in both acting and directing, expressing enthusiasm for his dual roles. “Once you get a taste of the stage, you can’t really go back,” he said.
Following the success at Venice, Fıratoğlu’s confidence is palpable. “What more can I ask for?” he reflected, hoping for a similar path for aspiring filmmakers. His anticipation for diverse audience reactions remains high, as he noted, “What makes me the happiest is people watching this from different countries in the world and still being happy with it.”
In addition to its premiere at Venice, One of Those Days When Hemme Dies has been showcased at various international festivals, including the Marrakech International Film Festival, Singapore Film Festival, and others. Through these screenings, Fıratoğlu continues to share his artistic vision with a global audience, celebrating the intricate tapestry of the human experience.
