The Color of Victory (Film)

The Color of Victory is a Turkish drama film released in Türkiye on February 16, 2024, depicting real events that took place between 1918 and 1923. The film explores how football was used in occupied Istanbul to boost public morale and strengthen national unity. The production centers on Fenerbahçe Sports Club and key figures of Türkiye’s struggle for independence. The film earned a worldwide box office revenue of 1,261,359 US dollars.

The film is set in Istanbul in 1918. It follows Galip Kulaksızoğlu, a soldier returning from the Gallipoli Campaign, as he reconnects with football and the independence movement after a visit by Mustafa Kemal Paşa to Fenerbahçe Club. While Fenerbahçe raises public morale through matches against occupying forces, it also provides intelligence and logistical support to the independence struggle in Anatolia via the Mim Mim Society. The film concludes with the team’s victory in the Harington Cup.

The Color of Victory centers on the role of football in reinforcing national unity and the spirit of resistance. Through the activities of Fenerbahçe Sports Club during the occupation period, the film reflects on the social impact of sports and how they were utilized as a source of moral strength within their historical context. Themes of resistance, solidarity, hope, and the pursuit of independence are examined alongside the social structure of the era and the national struggle. Historical events such as the victory in the Harington Cup underscore that sport was not merely a game but also a tool of struggle and unity.

The main cast and the characters they portray are as follows:

• Kubilay Aka – Galip Kulaksızoğlu: One of the founders and earliest footballers of Fenerbahçe; he undergoes a central transformation in the film as a young man who has lost hope after the war.
• Timuçin Esen – Topkapılı Cambaz Mehmet Bey: An active figure in organizing resistance in Istanbul; noted for his courage and practical intelligence.
• Nejat İşler – Mehmet Sabri Toprak: A significant character distinguished by his political and social engagement, with ties to club management and intelligence networks.
• Gülper Özdemir – Peyker: A character with whom Galip forms an emotional bond; a young idealistic woman deeply sensitive to the independence struggle.
• Yılmaz Bayraktar – John Godolphin Bennett: Representative of the British occupation forces; his rivalry with Fenerbahçe symbolizes the broader conflict.
• Gonca Vuslateri – Vera: A female character immersed in Istanbul’s social circles, surrounded by emotional complexities.
• Birce Akalay – Halide Edip Adıvar: One of the intellectual symbols of the national struggle; supports resistance through her ideas and speeches.
• Yiğit Özşener – Mustafa Kemal Paşa: Leader of the liberation movement in Anatolia; serves as an inspiration to club members.
• Enes Ulukır – Zeki Rıza Sporel: A young and talented forward of Fenerbahçe; his success on the field embodies the people’s hope.
• Süleyman Yaşar Sucuoğlu – Hasan Kamil Sporel: Zeki Rıza’s brother; represents solidarity and determination within the club.
• Bora Cengiz – Nasuhi Esat Baydar: One of the club’s prominent members; stands out through his intellectual contributions.
• Hasan Elmas – Mustafa Elkâtib: One of the characters responsible for the team’s communication and literary activities.
• Gürdal Tak – Yavuz İsmet Uluğ: A club player and fighter; distinguished by his courage on the field.
• Sercan Gülbahar – Ali Naci Karacan: A sports writer; portrayed as a figure who guides public opinion and organizes popular support.
• Lorin Merhart – Emirzade Arif Bey: An administrative character who manages the club’s political and financial connections.
• Emircan Kahyaeri – Ali Sami Yen: One of the founders of Galatasaray; appears in the film with an emphasis on shared national stance.

The makeup for the character of Mustafa Kemal Paşa was applied by Babak Eskandari.