Going Turkish in Bethnal Green: UK film premiere of My Suburban Story, followed by dinner at Wood Mangal
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| Still from Benim Varoş Hikayem / My Suburban Story(2017) |
Later this month, our Tower Hamlets travelling community cinema pops-up at Oxford House in East London for a very special evening: the UK premiere of acclaimed mockumentary Benim Varoş Hikayem / My Suburban Story.
The film was released in Turkey last year to rave reviews. It’s set in
the back streets of Adana, southern Turkey, where director Yunus Ozan Korkut captures
the essence of life through the eyes and tales of brilliant local characters
living in Ceyhan, on the outskirts of the city.
Korkut, who is also from Adana, draws on his circle – family, friends,
neighbours and other local notables – for this rare and authentic insight into
their untold and, to the outsider, invisible world. His exquisite palette of
personalities include Culluk Yusuf the expert bird-thief, feminist former village
headwoman Naime, Devran who loves to prop up the bar, and local strongman Cihangir
Abi.
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| Culluk Yusuf the expert bird-thief in Benim Varoş Hikayem / My Suburban Story(2017) |
The film’s strength comes from its sincere storytelling: Benim Varoş Hikayem / My Suburban Story
is both funny and heart-warming, and yet it doesn’t shy away from the darkness:
the poverty, and the unfairness and uphill struggles of their lives. The film
is 30-year-old Korkut’s debut feature length film, having previously produced
and directed six shorts, including his award-winning Mualla (2015).
Double-bill: Mutluluk / Happiness
As part of February’s Turkey theme, The Hamlets will also screen an
award-winning short before the main feature. Also making its UK premiere will
be Mutluluk / Happiness, written, directed
and produced by Necip Caghan Ozdemir.
It tells the story of a man working at a
car repair shop who is determined to overcome the gloom and misery around him to
spread happiness.
Post-screening dinner at Wood Mangal in Bethnal Green
After the films, what better way to complete our Turkish experience than
by popping into nearby Wood Mangal for a delicious Turkish meal? A firm favourite
among locals, the restaurant is described as having “Quality food and exceptional service”. Their menu includes all
classic dishes, from Turkish pizza to famous stews and tasty kebabs, including
a rather fine Adana kebab. And to top things off, the lovely people at Wood
Mangal are giving all Hamlets film-goers a 10% discount off their bill on the
night.
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| Turkey's famed Adana kebab (centre dish) - the perfect post-screening meal after seeing Benim Varoş Hikayem / My Suburban Story (2017) set in Adana. |
Given this is a UK premiere of two fantastic movies we expect seats to
sell very quickly, so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Admission
is just £3 per person plus booking fee, available from Eventbrite, or £5 on the
night (should any tickets remain). See below for details on how to book online.
About The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema
Launched in September 2017, The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema is a community
cinema project managed by film charity Balik Arts and funded by Tower Hamlets Council
as part of its Thriving High Streets programme.
Follow this blog, or sign up to our mailing list here. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for
more information about future events and screenings.
Screening
Event: The Hamlets UK presents the UK premiere of My
Suburban Story
Language: both films Turkish with English subtitles
Film Classification: 15
Date: Tuesday 27th
February 2018
Start Time: 7.15pm
Duration: 79 mins (Benim Varoş Hikayem / My Suburban Story)
+ 12 mins (Mutluluk / Happiness)
Venue: Oxford House, Oxford
House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG
Tickets: £3 + booking fee,
tickets available online on Eventbrite (screening only, dinner at Wood Mangal
is extra).
Post-screening dinner at Wood Mangal in Bethnal Green
Date: Tuesday 27th
February 2018
Venue: Wood Mangal, 29
Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 6AH
Reservation: no prior booking is needed. Just turn up after the screening and say you're from The Hamlets to qualify for your 10% discount.For more info about the restaurant: Tel 020 7739 9121 or email info@woodmangal.com or visit their Facebook page
I love this place in particular, it always has the best and impressive events every year. The home studios NYC have the perfect location if you are looking to host the event of a lifetime. The main-level features a large comfortable space.
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