Turkish film ‘One of those days when Hemme dies’ bags prize at Venice Film Festival
Turkish film director Murat Fıratoglu.
Turkish director Murat Firatoglu’s film, “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies,” received the Special Jury Prize in the Orizzonti section at the 81st of the Venice International Film Festival.
The film festival concluded with awards being presented to the best films of the year.
‘One of those days when Hemme dies’
The Orizzonti section, which focuses on cutting-edge and innovative films, recognized Firatoglu’s work for its unique storytelling.
The director, born in 1983, has a diverse background in cinema, having attended various workshops and film programs in Türkiye.
His filmography includes short films like Kholoud Ahmed’s Photograph and The Edge of All Possibilities, as well as documentaries such as Saman Tozu.
Firatoglu’s latest film, One of Those Days When Hemme Dies, was previously a finalist at the 31st International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in Türkiye, which has been running for 30 years.
Turkish cinema under spotlight at Venice Film Festival
Türkiye is well-represented at the festival with three films being screened. Murat Firatoglu’s “One of the Days When Hemme Died” is featured in the “Orizzonti” category.
Turker Suer’s “Edge of the Night” is also shown in the “Orizzonti Extra” section, and Cansu Baydar’s “Almost Certainly Wrong” is included in the “Orizzonti Short Films” category.
Italian media have noted that this year’s festival is expected to shine more brightly, especially with the presence of many major stars, despite the impact of last year’s writers’ and actors’ strike in Hollywood.
Golden lion, other major awards
The festival’s top honor, the Golden Lion for Best Film, was awarded to Pedro Almodovar for his film “The Room Next Door.” The film has been praised for its depth and exploration of complex human emotions.
The Silver Lion for Best Director went to American director Brady Corbet for his film “The Brutalist.” His work has also garnered attention for its distinctive style and storytelling.
Acting, screenplay awards
In the acting categories, French actor Vincent Lindon won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his role in The Quiet Son, while the Volpi Cup for Best Actress was awarded to Nicole Kidman for her performance in “Babygirl.”
The Best Screenplay award went to Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega for “Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here).”
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from Aug. 27 to September 6, 2025
About Murat Firatoglu
Firatoglu, who resides in Istanbul and works as a lawyer, has been active in the film industry for many years. He attended various film-making workshops between 2004 and 2017, including programs organized by Diyarbakır Art Center and Reha Erdem. His films have been featured in multiple festivals, including the Antalya Film Forum and the Sabancı Foundation Film Competition.
