Night of Blindness: A Harrowing Escape During Turkish Coup

Reis Çelik's "Night of Blindness" presents a tense narrative set during the 1980 Turkish military coup. The film follows a left-wing activist's desperate attempt to escape her homeland, seeking refuge among construction workers as authorities close in. Shot in striking black and white, the story unfolds entirely over one night, amplifying the sense of urgency and vulnerability.

Director Çelik draws from his own experiences, aiming to evoke universal emotions such as fear. He stated that while the story is set in Turkey, it explores human experiences recognizable globally. Çelik believes facing historical realities is crucial for individual and national growth, a theme he conveys through art.

"Night of Blindness" is the second installment in Çelik's planned "Night Trilogy." The director chose to set the entire film at night to highlight how even small details or light become more noticeable in darkness, mirroring how people confront their true selves after dark. This concentrated intensity also applies to the storytelling, with the belief that complex emotions and stories can be conveyed effectively through subtle moments.