The documentary “Ceza Sahası” had its premiere screening in Türkiye in Istanbul as part of the 18th Istanbul International 1001 Documentary Film Festival.
The documentary, which focuses on the dreams that children who have grown up under isolation for more than half a century build through football, as well as the challenges they face, met with audiences at the Atatürk Cultural Center Yeşilçam Cinema in Istanbul.
According to the information received, attendees at the screening included the Consul General of the TRNC in Istanbul, Zalihe Mendeli, and her delegation, as well as Rüşat Aydoğan, President of the Turkey-TRNC Cooperation Association; Menderes Demir, President of the Turkish World Journalists Federation; artists Nil Burak and Cem Özer; producer Koral Sarıtaş; manager Can Çobanoğlu; Hüseyin Kızmazoğlu, Head of Youth Development at the Cyprus Turkish Football Federation; Now TV CEO Cenk Soner; Now TV News Editor-in-Chief Doğan Şentürk; teams from Now TV and TRT Spor; and many guests from the worlds of sports and art.
Director Mustafa Ünlü: The starting point dates back to 2006
Speaking after the screening, the documentary’s director Mustafa Ünlü stated that the foundation of the project dates back to 2006.
Ünlü explained that events during an alternative tournament held in Cyprus sparked his curiosity, and that at the time they had the opportunity to closely observe the significance of football and sports for society.
He noted that over time, the subject extended beyond sports and evolved into a long-standing story of isolation and victimization.
Ünlü emphasized that the documentary aims to make visible the restrictions experienced by the Turkish Cypriot community for over half a century, especially their impact on young people, and added that although the film progresses through football, it ultimately highlights a broader human rights issue.
Ertan Birinci: Aims to make sports embargoes visible
The documentary’s producer and Founder of Birinci Media Institution, Ertan Birinci, stated that the production reveals the sports embargoes that the Turkish Cypriot people have faced for many years.
Birinci pointed out that restrictions in football directly affect the dreams of young people and that this issue is not sufficiently known in the international public sphere.
He stressed that such embargoes are unacceptable in today’s world, where information and technology are rapidly advancing, and stated that the documentary aims to make this injustice visible.
Birinci also noted that Turkish Cypriot youth should be given the opportunity to express themselves through sports and highlighted the inability of children in Turkey and the TRNC to play matches against each other as a significant shortcoming.
He concluded by saying that they hope the documentary will raise awareness on this issue and that everyone who watches it will learn this reality and become an ambassador for the cause.
Following the screening, audience members also shared their opinions and evaluations about the documentary.