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Journey of Hope (German: Reise der Hoffnung; Turkish: Umuda yolculuk) is a 1990 film directed by Xavier Koller. It tells the story of an Alevi rural family from Turkey trying to illegally emigrate to Switzerland, a country they know only from a postcard. The film is a co-production between companies in Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
| Journey of Hope | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Xavier Koller |
| Written by | Feride Çiçekoğlu Xavier Koller |
| Produced by | Peter-Christian Fueter Alfi Sinniger |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Elemér Ragályi Galip Iyitanir |
| Edited by | Daniel Gibel |
Production company | Beyond Films Premium Films |
| Distributed by | Columbus Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Countries | Switzerland Turkey |
| Languages | Turkish Swiss German Italian |
The film won the 1990 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.[1]
The film begins in a remote and impoverished village in Eastern Turkey, where the Öztürk family resides. They consist of the father, Haydar (played by Necmettin Çobanoglu); the mother, Meryem (played by Nur Sürer); and their seven children, including their young son, Mehmet (played by Emin Sivas). Haydar, a hardworking farmer, is struggling to provide for his family amidst political turmoil and economic difficulties.
Desperate to escape their dire circumstances, Haydar decides to undertake a dangerous journey to Switzerland, where he has heard stories of a prosperous life and opportunities for employment. He believes that by making this journey, he can secure a better future for his wife and children. With the support of Siti, who is initially hesitant but ultimately agrees to accompany him, they leave their village behind and set off on their treacherous adventure.
Their journey begins with a perilous border crossing into Greece. They face numerous obstacles, including treacherous mountainous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with ruthless smugglers. Along the way, they meet other refugees from different countries, each with their own heartbreaking stories and dreams of a better life.
Abandoned by the smugglers during a dangerous crossing over the Alps into Switzerland, the family is separated during a blizzard. Meryem injures her leg and is rescued by police, but Haydar and Mehmet Ali are lost and spend hours in the snowstorm. During the night, Mehmet Ali succumbs to hypothermia. Father and son are found in the morning, and Haydar is reunited with Meryem at the hospital, where she realizes their son did not survive. Haydar is then taken to prison while the Swiss authorities discuss the couple's eventual deportation back to Turkey.
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- Necmettin Çobanoglu: Haydar Sener
- Nur Sürer: Meryem
- Emin Sivas: Mehmet Ali
- Yaman Okay: Turkmen
- Erdinc Akbas: Adama
- Mathias Gnädinger: Ramser
- Dietmar Schönherr: Massimo
- Andrea Zogg: Christen
- Erdal Merdan: Aldemir
The film's production and filming took place in various locations to authentically depict the journey undertaken by the Öztürk family.
The production team faced the challenge of recreating the diverse landscapes and settings that the characters encounter throughout their journey. To achieve this, filming took place in Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. These locations provided the necessary backdrop to showcase the varying landscapes, from the Öztürk family's humble village in Eastern Turkey to the treacherous mountainous terrains and bustling cities they traverse on their way to Switzerland.
Director Xavier Koller aimed to capture the authentic experiences of refugees and the hardships they face during their journeys. To achieve this, the production team extensively researched the subject matter and drew inspiration from real-life accounts of refugees. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity helped create a compelling and emotionally resonant portrayal of the Öztürk family's journey.
The film's cast consisted of talented actors, with Necmettin Çobanoglu portraying the determined and resilient father, İbrahim, and Nur Sürer portraying the compassionate and supportive mother, Siti. Emin Sivas played the role of their young son, Mehmet, whose tragic death during the journey adds to the emotional weight of the story.
The filming process itself presented numerous challenges. The crew had to navigate difficult terrains, adverse weather conditions, and time constraints while capturing the essence of the characters' journey. Some scenes required meticulous planning and coordination, especially during the intense border crossing sequences and encounters with smugglers.
The production team collaborated with local communities, utilizing local extras and talents to add an authentic touch to the film. This collaboration not only enhanced the realism of the story but also provided an opportunity for the local population to contribute to the project and share their own experiences and perspectives.
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"Journey of Hope" garnered critical acclaim and received a positive reception from audiences around the world. The film's poignant storytelling, powerful performances, and its ability to shed light on the experiences of refugees resonated deeply with viewers.
Critics commended director Xavier Koller's sensitive handling of the subject matter. They praised his ability to capture the human stories within the larger context of the refugee experience. Koller's attention to detail, authenticity, and the film's realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by refugees resonated with audiences and garnered praise for its accuracy and relevance.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on 6 reviews, with an average score of 6.30/10.[2] The film's critical success was further evidenced by its recognition at prestigious awards ceremonies. "Journey of Hope" won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1991, cementing its place as an outstanding cinematic achievement.
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