The Homeland Issue (Film)

Memleket Meselesi is a 2010 Turkish drama film written and directed by İsa Yıldız. It centers on the legal and moral struggle of a primary school teacher nearing retirement who faces injustice. The film focuses on how an individual’s quest for rights transforms into a social cause.

Plot

Memleket Meselesi follows the story of Adil Hoca, an idealistic primary school teacher with only a short time left before retirement, as he fights for justice in a small Mediterranean town. Throughout his life, Adil Hoca has maintained his integrity and refused to compromise on truth, leading to frequent conflicts with those around him due to his honest and stubborn nature. He has been exiled to various locations over the years. Finally assigned to his own town, he receives a slap from a young police officer. Feeling both humiliated and as if the values he upheld throughout his career have been dismissed, Adil Hoca takes action to seek justice. As he pursues his rights through police and judicial channels, he does not stand alone; the townspeople rally behind his cause.

Memleket Meselesi Film Poster (IMDb)

Theme

The film explores themes such as the individual’s pursuit of justice, power dynamics between the state and citizens, bureaucratic obstacles, and societal conscience. Around the character of Adil Hoca, virtues such as honesty, resilience, and civic courage are emphasized.

Cast

• Tuna Orhan – Adil Hoca
• Ahmet Uğurlu
• Füsun Demirel – Nazife
• İştar Gökseven – Altıparmak
• Bora Akkaş – Deniz
• Ahmet Kural – Mustafa
• Kamuran İnselel
• Oğuz Tunç
• Bekir Çiçekdemir

Awards

• 2011 Adana Altın Koza Film Festival – Best Supporting Actor (Tuna Orhan)