‘HisTroy’ wins at Milano Absurd Film Festival for unique twist on Trojan history
Images from the film HisTroy, written by Ridvan Golcuk, the Director of Troy Museum, and directed and produced by Ulku Sonmez. (Photo via HisTroy Production Team)
The film “HisTroy”, written by Troy Museum Director Ridvan Golcuk and directed and produced by Ulku Sonmez, has won the Mention Award at the Absurd Film Festival in Milan, Italy. The film captivates audiences with its unique blend of ancient history and contemporary absurdism, earning high praise from both the jury and viewers.
‘HisTroy’: A creative take on Troy’s epic history
“HisTroy” is a film that takes a fresh, unconventional approach to Troy’s storied past, beginning with a play on words. The film weaves together ancient epics, archaeology, and pop culture imagery.
It draws from Golcuk’s real-life experiences at the Troy Museum, reinterpreting the layers of history with humor and poetic flair. Key scenes, such as Homer continuing to write “The Iliad” at the Troy Excavation House or Aeneas journeying to Rome inspired by a tourist’s t-shirt, offer a delightful fusion of ancient history and modern times, taking audiences on a fun-filled ride through the ages.
Filming and cast: A mix of ancient and modern
Shot at the Troy Archaeological Site and the Troy Museum, the film blends ancient settings with modern cinematic techniques. The production stars Hakan Kumuk as Homer, Ugur Akgun as Vergilius, and Anil Imaca as Aeneas, bringing an absurd twist to the connection between historical figures and today’s people.
In a memorable scene, Golcuk, the museum director, joins Professor Rustem Aslan, head of the Troy Excavations, and archaeologist Fecri Polat inside the wooden horse, where they discuss the merging of mythology with archaeological findings.
Director and producer Ulku Sonmez reflects on film’s unique vision
For Ulku Sonmez, “HisTroy” was an experiment in blending history’s rigid rules with the magic of cinematic magical realism. “Ridvan’s script transformed Troy from an archaeological site into a living character,” she explains. “Imagining Homer at his excavation house with a laptop or portraying Aeneas as a bus passenger wasn’t just about absurd humor but also about showing how history is very much alive in the present.”
Sonmez adds, “Ridvan’s unique contribution as both the Museum Director and screenwriter was invaluable. His deep connection to history was palpable in every scene. For instance, depicting Homer discussing archaeological findings or positioning Vergilius as a modern writer at Troy’s archaeological site—these images establish a constant dialogue between the past and the present.”
A film inspired by Troy’s spirit
“While filming, the biggest inspiration was the spirit of Troy itself,” Sonmez shares. “Even the absurdity in the script felt real because of the energy we felt there. Talented actors like Hakan Kumuk and Ugur Akgun played pivotal roles in balancing this dynamic. For instance, Hakan’s portrayal of Homer with a ‘bewildered genius’ expression transformed him from an epic figure to a relatable, creative writer.”
The award in Milan, she believes, represents more than just a jury decision—it’s a recognition of the courage to tell a universal story. “Knowing that the audience could feel Troy’s spirit, even while smiling, makes this journey meaningful,” Sonmez concludes. “To me, ‘HisTroy’ tells not the dusty pages of history but the never-ending tale of humanity.”
Ridvan Golcuk’s perspective on script
For Ridvan Golcuk, the screenplay of “HisTroy” was an attempt to bring the silent passage of Troy’s thousands of years into the modern language. “History isn’t just yellowed pages far away from us,” Golcuk explains. “It becomes absurd, funny, and even surprisingly alive when touched by our imagination.”
Golcuk continues, “In this film, I imagined Homer with a notebook at the excavation site and Aeneas as a bus passenger on his way to Rome. The story of Troy is part of humanity’s collective memory, and the way to tell it is by bending and even breaking the rules.”
The award in Milan, he says, isn’t just an achievement—it’s a celebration of boldness and originality. “The jury embracing this ‘crazy’ perspective proves once again that art has no boundaries,” he says. “Without Ulku Sonmez’s visionary direction and the performances of Hakan and Ugur, this story wouldn’t have resonated so strongly on the big screen. Every frame shot in Troy’s land made us feel the spirit of the ancient heroes. This project was more about dancing with history than just paying homage to it. I believe ‘HisTroy’ will show viewers how enjoyable it can be to lose themselves in the labyrinth of history.”
Absurd Film Festival and award ceremony
The Absurd Film Festival, held annually in Milan, is known for its support of unconventional narratives and experimental cinema. “HisTroy” will be available to audiences in Italy in April, where its creative storytelling will undoubtedly continue to leave an impact.
