Cep Hercules Naim Süleymanoğlu (Film)

Pocket Hercules: Naim Süleymanoğlu is a Turkish biographical film released in 2019, depicting the life of weightlifter Naim Süleymanoğlu. Directed by Özer Feyizoğlu and written by Barış Pirhasan, the film belongs to the drama genre. It was produced and distributed by Dijital Sanatlar Yapımevi. Hayat Van Eck stars in the lead role, with supporting cast members including Yetkin Dikinciler, Selen Öztürk, Gürkan Uygun and İsmail Hacıoğlu. The film premiered in Turkish cinemas on 22 November 2019.

Plot

Pocket Hercules: Naim Süleymanoğlu chronicles the life of Naim Süleymanoğlu (played by Hayat Van Eck), widely regarded as the greatest weightlifter of all time. Raised within the Turkish minority in Bulgaria under assimilation policies, Naim announced himself to the weightlifting world at age 15 by breaking his first world record. Due to increasing pressures in Bulgaria, he decided to flee to Türkiye. In 1986, he sought asylum at the Turkish Embassy in Melbourne and relocated to Türkiye, where he began a new chapter. The film recounts his unparalleled achievements including seven world records, three Olympic gold medals (1988, 1992, 1996), six European Championships and seven World Championships, as well as his deep loyalty to his family and his steadfast support for the struggles of Turks in Bulgaria. Naim’s determination, sacrifices and love for his homeland form the emotional core of the film.

Cast

• Hayat Van Eck – Naim Süleymanoğlu
• Yetkin Dikinciler – Süleyman Süleymanoğlu (Naim’s Father)
• Selen Öztürk – Hatice Süleymanoğlu (Naim’s Mother)
• Gürkan Uygun – Enver Türkileri
• Uğur Güneş – İsmail Topçu
• İsmail Hacıoğlu – Mehmet Tunç
• Renan Bilek – Mesut
• Bülent Alkış – Atalay Göçer
• Barış Kıralioğlu – Turgut Özal
• Mehmet Esen – Weightlifting Coach
• Evren Erler – Doctor
• Mustafa Kırantepe – Journalist

Production

Pocket Hercules: Naim Süleymanoğlu was filmed between 2018 and 2019 in Bulgaria and Türkiye. Bulgarian scenes were shot in various locations including Sofia, while Turkish scenes were filmed in Istanbul, Ankara and Bursa. Produced by Mustafa Uslu, the film’s cinematography was handled by Volker Tittel. The music was composed by Fahir Atakoğlu and structured to synchronize with the film’s dramatic sequences. The production was shaped based on documents and interviews related to Naim Süleymanoğlu’s life story.

Thematic Structure

Determination and Achievement

The film emphasizes that success despite impossible odds is achievable through talent and determination. Naim’s records and medals stand as universal symbols of individual perseverance.

Patriotism and Identity

Naim’s resistance against the repression of the Turkish minority in Bulgaria and his asylum in Türkiye explore themes of identity and patriotism. The film emotionally portrays his passion for competing under the Turkish flag.

Family and Sacrifice

Naim’s relationship with his family, particularly his mother and father, forms the emotional heart of the film. The support from his family and the struggles he endured for them reinforce the theme of sacrifice.

Release and Reception

Pocket Hercules: Naim Süleymanoğlu was released nationwide in Turkish cinemas on 22 November 2019. According to Box Office Türkiye data, the film was watched by approximately 1.5 million viewers during its theatrical run. It ranked among the most-watched Turkish films of 2019 in terms of box office performance.

Awards and Nominations

• 2020 Sadri Alışık Awards: Best Actor (Hayat Van Eck) – Nominated
• 2020 Siyad Awards: Best Film – Nominated
• 2020 Altın Koza Film Festival: Best Film – Won
• 2020 Altın Koza Film Festival: Best Actor (Hayat Van Eck) – Won