Premiere of "Mektup" draws full house at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven
EINDHOVEN – The premiere of the documentary Mektup, directed by Emre Kalender, filled the hall on Wednesday evening, December 4, at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. The film, which highlights the stories of the first generation of Turkish migrants, was shown to the public for the first time and left a deep impression.
During the premiere, I noticed how intensely the audience reacted. There was laughter, but also tears. For me, it felt as if I had finally done something tangible for the first generation: bringing their lives and stories forward in a way that is both seen and heard.
The evening took on extra meaning because the first generation of migrants themselves were present in the hall as guests of honor. Their stories, which for many years often remained hidden within families, were now not only told but also publicly acknowledged and celebrated. After the screening, a musical program followed with both Turkish and Western influences, rounding off the evening in a warm and festive atmosphere. With Mektup, I want to capture and pass on a hidden piece of history. For me, it is a letter from the past, addressed to the future.
”EINDHOVEN – How did the first Turks live here when they came to Eindhoven as guest workers starting in 1959? Filmmaker Emre Kalender is making a documentary about it.”
Eindhovens Dagblad