G.O.R.A. is a Turkish science fiction-comedy film released in 2004, directed by Ömer Faruk Sorak. Its screenplay was written by Cem Yılmaz, with Can Yılmaz contributing to the screenplay development process. The film was produced and distributed by BKM Film. It stars Cem Yılmaz, Özge Özberk, Ozan Güven, Özkan Uğur, and Rasim Öztekin. The film premiered in Türkiye on November 12, 2004.

Plot

G.O.R.A. begins with a character named Arif, who trades carpets in Anatolia, being abducted by aliens and taken to a planet called G.O.R.A. While Arif searches for ways to escape the planet with the people he meets there, he encounters various events. The plot, within its space-themed narrative, explores themes of escape, resistance, and developing new relationships.

^{G.O.R.A. Movie Trailer (Beşiktaş Cultural Center)}

Cast

• Cem Yılmaz – Arif Işık / Logar / Erşan Kuneri
• Özge Özberk – Princess Ceku
• Ozan Güven – Robot 216
• Özkan Uğur – Garavel
• Rasim Öztekin – Bob Marley Faruk
• İdil Fırat – Mulu
• Erdal Tosun – Rendroy
• Şafak Sezer – Kuna
• Engin Günaydın – Magazine Editor
• Muhittin Korkmaz – Tihulu
• Coşkun Göğen – Cungo
• Tuba Ünsal – Guest Actor

Production Process

G.O.R.A. was filmed in Istanbul and Antalya between 2003 and 2004. The film has a screenplay that combines science fiction elements with comedy. Various studio environments and outdoor locations were used during the production process. Digital visual effects were utilized in the film. Veli Kuzlu was the director of photography, and Ozan Çolakoğlu composed the music.

Thematic Structure

Science Fiction and Humor

The film makes references to science fiction classics like Star Wars and Back to the Future, reinterpreting this genre with a Turkish sense of humor. Aliens, time travel, and galactic wars transform into an absurd comedy through Arif's cunning.

Friendship and Solidarity

The bond Arif forms with Robot 216, Garavel, and Bob Marley Faruk constitutes the emotional backbone of the film. This friendship emphasizes the importance of solidarity in challenging situations.

Love and Freedom

While the romantic relationship between Arif and Ceku deepens the emotional aspect of the film, Arif's attempts to escape from G.O.R.A. represent the search for individual freedom.

Release and Reception

G.O.R.A. was released on November 12, 2004, and screened in cinemas across Türkiye. It was watched by approximately 4 million people in Türkiye and became one of the most-watched domestic films in 2004. The film was evaluated by some critics for its screenplay and production quality; it also attracted attention with its budget, which was considered high for its time, and its use of digital effects.

Awards and Nominations

• 2005 Sadri Alışık Awards: Best Actor (Cem Yılmaz) – Won
• 2005 Golden Butterfly Awards: Best Comedy Film – Won
• 2005 Siyad Awards: Best Film – Nominated