Special Film Screening Program in Memory of Adalet Ağaoğlu (1929–2020): Mercedes Mon Amour (1992)

Directorate of the Institute of Film and Media Studies
First Published: Monday, October 21, 2024
Last Update: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Boğaziçi University’s Institute of Film and Media Studies, in collaboration with Boğaziçi University Press, is pleased to present two special screenings of Tunç Okan’s Mercedes Mon Amour (Sarı Mercedes, 1992), an adaptation of the celebrated Turkish novelist and playwright Adalet Ağaoğlu’s 1976 novel Fikrimin İnce Gülü (A Gracious Rose That Captivates My Thoughts). These screenings are part of a commemorative programme marking the 95th birthday of the late Adalet Ağaoğlu, one of Turkey’s most revered literary figures.

Mercedes Mon Amour offers a profound exploration of social class, ambition, and alienation, following the story of Bayram, a Turkish guest worker in Germany. After saving for years, Bayram buys a yellow Mercedes, which he believes will elevate his social status and win him respect upon his return to his village in Turkey. However, his journey home reveals a stark contrast between his material aspirations and the emotional void they fail to fill.

The car, fondly named ‘Balkız (Honey Girl)’, becomes a potent symbol of Bayram’s dreams, but also the harsh reality of his estrangement. With a deeply moving performance by İlyas Salman, the film poignantly portrays the immigrant experience, the hollow pursuit of status, and the corrosive effects of consumerism. Director Tunç Okan masterfully intertwines Bayram’s physical and emotional journeys, offering a tragicomic critique of materialism and the illusory nature of social climbing.

Wed, 23 Oct 2024, 15:00
Mercedes Mon Amour (Sarı Mercedes, Tunç Okan, 1992)

Thu, 24 Oct 2024, 18:00
Mercedes Mon Amour (Sarı Mercedes, Tunç Okan, 1992)

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Wed & Thu
15:00 & 18:00
Mithat Alam Hall (Open: Monday to Friday, 9:00–21:00)
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For Students (Open to External Students)
Free Admission (Registration Required for Each Event)
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Follow us on Instagram @ifms.filmscreenings for weekly event registration forms and updates.
For questions or further information, contact us at filmscreenings@bogazici.edu.tr
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Copyright & Fair Use Disclaimer: The film screenings at the IFMS Mithat Alam Hall on our university campus are conducted exclusively for educational purposes, with no commercial intent. This educational use complies with the “fair use” provisions established under national and international copyright laws and treaties. Both domestic and international laws governing copyright exceptions for education and research—including the Turkish Copyright Law (The Intellectual and Artistic Works Act 1951, No. 5846, Article 33), the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Article 10/2), the TRIPS Agreement (Article 13), the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT, Article 10), and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT, Article 16)—explicitly permit the screening of cinematic works within educational institutions, provided there is no financial gain involved. Our screenings are strictly for educational purposes and fully adhere to these legal frameworks. Admission is free of charge and open exclusively to students. However, external attendees may also join, provided they present a valid student ID card at the South Campus entrance. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in maintaining the educational integrity of these screenings.

Etkinlik Başlığı:

Special Film Screening Program in Memory of Adalet Ağaoğlu (1929–2020): Mercedes Mon Amour (1992)

Etkinlik Türü:

Özel Film Gösterim Programı

Yer:

Mithat Alam Hall, Güney Kampüs

Tarih ve Saat:

Çarşamba, Ekim 23, 2024 - 15:00