'Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar' (Don't Let Them Shoot The Kite) is an exceptional Turkish film directed by Tunç Başaran, released in 1989. Shot in the Ankara Central Closed Prison and Detention House, the film achieved significant recognition, being chosen as Turkey's candidate for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 62nd Academy Awards.
The storyline of 'Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar' centers around a young boy, Barış, portrayed by Ozan Bilen, who is forced to grow up in a prison due to his mother's incarceration. Despite the grim backdrop, Barış becomes a beacon of joy for all the inmates. His relationship with İnci (Nur Sürer), a political prisoner, stands out as markedly different from his interactions with the other prisoners.
The film narrates the tale of a women's prison and the concept of love from the perspective of a five-year-old child, offering a profoundly moving viewing experience. The central question arises - what could be the crime of young Barış, caught within these cold, deafening walls? His only 'crime' is being the son of a mother who is imprisoned due to a drug-related offense.
Barış spends his time observing the sky and freedom kites in the prison courtyard, a peculiar world that he barely comprehends. He cherishes a promise from his İnci Abla (Sister İnci), who pledges to return as a kite after gaining her freedom.
The film boasts a remarkable cast, including Nur Sürer as İnci, Füsun Demirel as Fatma, Rozet Hubeş as Zeynep, and Güzin Özipek as Aunt Sultan, among others. These talented actors deliver compelling performances that breathe life into the story, resonating strongly with the audience.
'Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar' was honored with several awards, underlining its significant contribution to Turkish cinema. It won the Best 2nd Film at the 10th Mediterranean Countries Film Festival. At the 26th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, the film scooped several accolades, including Best Cinematography (Erdal Kahraman), Best Screenplay (Feride Çiçekoğlu), Best Actress (Nur Sürer), and Best Film for director Tunç Başaran. Additionally, the film was named Best Turkish Film at the 8th International Istanbul Film Festival.
Immersive, poignant, and thought-provoking, 'Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar' is a cinematic masterpiece that explores complex themes of love, freedom, and resilience against the backdrop of an oppressive prison environment. The film remains a seminal piece of Turkish cinema, continuing to resonate with audiences, both at home and abroad, decades after its release.