Sofoklis The Movie
We didn't cross the border, the border crossed us.
THE IDEA.
The “Cyprus Problem” represents a deep-rooted division, lingering long before 1974, when the island’s split left Greek and Turkish Cypriots separated both physically and emotionally. This separation has given rise to parallel narratives, where each side claims sole victimhood, and Greek Cypriots in particular experience a profound sense of loss over abandoned lands.
Yet, too often, we focus on our own suffering, rarely listening to one another’s stories.With Sofoklis, we set out to challenge this cycle. Producer TuÄŸcem and creative director Evren Maner aim to bring a spirit of empathy to the screen, crafting a story that celebrates connection and understanding.
As Turkish-speaking Cypriots portraying a Greek-speaking Cypriot’s journey—through the performance of a Turkish-speaking Cypriot actor—we hope to break barriers and open doors to mutual understanding. Sofoklis is more than a story about a man returning to his homeland; it’s a reflection on the deep-seated desire for belonging, reminding us all of the human cost of division.
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Sofoklis Festival Trailer 2025
About
Our vision for Sofoklis extends beyond Cypriot borders. This film is an invitation for audiences to contemplate a world driven not by division and greed but by empathy and connection. In Sofoklis’s life, we see a reminder of the peace and fulfillment that come from embracing others, free from prejudice. Berlin, a city with its own history of division, feels like the perfect place to share this story, where the message can resonate globally. Much of Sofoklis was filmed in the occupied North, an unconventional and often challenging choice. Even as tourists’ cameras are scrutinized to prevent unauthorized filming of military sites, we persisted in capturing scenes that reveal the beauty and complexity of Cyprus. The film draws from Evren’s journey—from his early, outspoken journalism to his pursuit of meaningful filmmaking. He left a corporate role to tell stories rooted in authenticity and human resilience. Sofoklis reflects his conviction that films should depict ordinary people and genuine struggles, stories that resonate universally. Music played a significant role in Sofoklis as well. A self-taught guitarist, Evren was gifted a bouzouki by a Greek-speaking Cypriot friend—a symbol of cultural fusion that lay dormant until the script was underway. The melodies soon intertwined with the story, shaping scenes and lending depth to Sofoklis’s journey. This creative process has been long and demanding, spanning a decade of uncertainty and self-financing. Through perseverance, the film has become a tribute to Ilker Kaptanoğlu, the actor portraying Sofoklis, and a legacy for Evren and Tuğcem’s daughter. Welcome to Sofoklis. We invite you to journey with us through Cyprus’s breathtaking landscapes and to pause, to reflect on the essence of belonging and the possibilities that await when we break free from division.
