Love in Another Language (Film)

Love in Another Language is a 2009 Turkish romantic drama film. It marks the first feature-length directorial venture of İlksen Başarır, who co-wrote the screenplay with actor Mert Fırat. The film centers on the romance between a young deaf man and a woman working at a call center. Upon its release, the production attracted attention for its thematic depth and social awareness, and it received several awards at national film festivals.

Plot

The film follows the intersection of Onur, a young deaf man, and Zeynep, a woman employed at a call center, and the romantic relationship that develops between them. Zeynep’s word-filled life enters Onur’s world of silence. The film also explores socio-cultural themes such as the presence of deaf individuals in social life, their modes of communication, and the working conditions of call center employees.

A scene from the film (IMDb)

Cast

• Mert Fırat – Onur
• Saadet Işıl Aksoy – Zeynep
• Emre Karayel – Aras
• Lale Mansur – Kadife
• Ayten Uncuoğlu – Mürvet
• Şebnem Köstem – Handan
• Tuğrul Tülek – Kamuran

Production

The production was carried out through a partnership between Bir Film and Bando Yapım, with distribution handled by Tiglon Film. The film holds significance as İlksen Başarır’s debut feature as a director. The collaborative screenplay by Mert Fırat and Başarır played a crucial role in shaping the depth of the characters.

Thematic Structure

The film addresses barriers to interpersonal communication not only as physical but also as emotional and social. Silence is presented in contrast to the noisy environment of a call center, while love and understanding are portrayed as existing beyond spoken words. Deafness is not depicted as a deficiency but as a distinct form of communication.

Awards and Nominations