'Kız Kardeşler' ( A Tale of Three Sisters) is a poignant Turkish drama, directed and written by Emin Alper and released in 2019. This joint production of Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece features actors such as Cemre Ebuzziya, Ece Yüksel, Helin Kandemir, Müfit Kayacan, and Kayhan Açıkgöz in the main roles. The film was first screened in the 'Main Competition' section of the 69th Berlin International Film Festival.
Returning to their village after years, the sisters are compelled to face the harsh realities they once fled from when they reunite. The film poignantly highlights the struggles, the familial ties, the longing for belonging, and the feelings of helplessness that are part and parcel of their journey.
Cemre Ebuzziya, Ece Yüksel, Helin Kandemir, Müfit Kayacan, and Kayhan Açıkgöz deliver compelling performances, bringing to life Alper's layered narrative.
'A Tale of Three Sisters' made its premiere at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival in the 'Main Competition' section and received critical acclaim. It was selected for the European Film Awards in 2019 and participated in the Transylvania Film Festival the same year. It particularly shone at the Istanbul Film Festival in 2019, bagging five awards, including the prestigious FIPRESCI prize in the National Competition category.
The narrative arc of 'A Tale of Three Sisters' is complemented by Emre Erkmen's artful cinematography. His work manages to capture the essence of the rural setting, the beauty, the harshness, the isolation, and the vast landscapes, which adds a unique visual language to the film. The film's soundtrack, composed by Giorgos and Nikos Papaioannou, further heightens the emotional intensity of the narrative.
'A Tale of Three Sisters' is a compelling portrait of the human spirit, resilience, and the quest for identity amidst adversity. Its story remains relevant and relatable, transcending cultural and geographic barriers. It not only offers a profound narrative experience but also encourages introspection about our own journeys, the bonds that bind us, and the realities we face in our individual lives.