Tarlabasi and Me is a 2015 Turkish drama film directed by Ayten Guner and starring Mustafa Kaya. The film revolves around a young man named Mustafa, who leaves his comfortable life in Istanbul to volunteer in Tarlabasi, a poor and disadvantaged neighborhood. Mustafa is a recent university graduate from a wealthy family, who decides to leave his cushy life and volunteer his time and energy to help the people living in Tarlabasi. He arrives in the neighborhood with fresh ideas and enthusiasm, but quickly realizes that the problems in Tarlabasi are more complex than he anticipated. The area is plagued by poverty, crime, drug addiction and a host of other social issues.
As he begins to immerse himself into the community, Mustafa forms a bond with several locals, including a young boy named Ali, who dreams of becoming a football superstar, and a wise old man named Bayram, who has lived in Tarlabasi his entire life. Through these relationships, Mustafa learns about the struggles and challenges facing the people of Tarlabasi and begins to understand how he can make a difference in their lives.
The film explores the stark contrast between Mustafa's privileged upbringing and the difficult realities faced by the people of Tarlabasi. It examines the systemic issues that keep the residents trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime and highlights the importance of community and human connection.
Throughout the film, Mustafa challenges himself to navigate the complex social web of Tarlabasi and to develop meaningful relationships with the people he encounters. He also learns valuable lessons about the importance of empathy, humility and perseverance in creating real change in the world.
Tarlabasi and Me is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shines a light on the important issues facing disadvantaged communities. It is a poignant reminder of the need for social justice and human compassion in a world where inequality and injustice persist. The film is also a testament to the transformative power of individual action and human connection.
Tarlabasi and Me is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
