Newsletters
A debut feature emerging from Türkiye’s independent film scene is set to step onto one of global cinema’s most discovery-driven stages, as director Melik Kuru’s "Dump of Untitled Pieces" secures a competition slot at the Slamdance Film Festival in Los Angeles following its world premiere in Tallinn.
Selected from thousands of submissions, the film brings an Istanbul-set story of artistic ambition and financial survival to an international audience, marking a rare recent appearance for cinema from Türkiye at the festival.
At the center of the film stands Asli, an idealistic photographer facing eviction alongside her indifferent roommate, Murat, after failing to pay rent.
As financial pressure begins to close in, the pair set out on an uncertain journey through Istanbul’s complex contemporary art environment, hoping to make money by presenting Asli’s photographs to galleries for the first time.
The narrative unfolds through their attempt to break into an art ecosystem that can appear difficult to navigate for newcomers, a setting that reflects both creative ambition and economic vulnerability.
For international audiences unfamiliar with Istanbul’s art landscape, galleries function as key gatekeepers where emerging artists seek representation, visibility, and financial sustainability.
Supported by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism Cinema General Directorate and the Istanbul Film Festival’s Meetings on the Bridge platform, the production brings together actors Manolya Maya and Ekremcan Aslandag, joined by Tugrul Tulec, Tulin Ozen, and Emrah Ozdemir.
Founded in 1995 by independent filmmakers aiming to open up opportunities outside mainstream studio systems, the Slamdance Film Festival has grown into a major showcase for emerging cinema.
The 32nd edition will take place in Los Angeles between February 19 and 25, drawing industry professionals and international audiences interested in discovery-focused programming.
Over the years, the festival has hosted early works by filmmakers who later shaped global cinema, including Christopher Nolan, the Safdie Brothers, Sean Baker, Ari Aster, Bong Joon Ho, and Steven Soderbergh.
The event’s reputation rests on its emphasis on first-time and independent voices rather than large-scale commercial productions.
Within this context, "Dump of Untitled Pieces" competes as one of 33 films selected from approximately 10,000 submissions in the Narrative Feature category, where awards include the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award.
The film’s inclusion signals what organizers describe as a significant return for Turkish cinema at Slamdance, becoming the second production connected to Türkiye to enter the festival lineup after an 11-year gap following Things to Come in 2015.
Festival screenings are scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles.
The festival’s opening night will feature The Projectionist, produced by Quentin Tarantino, while Seth Rogen’s The Untitled Ruby Slippers Documentary is also set to premiere during the event.
Melik Kuru, born in 1989, left architecture studies before graduating at the top of his class from Koc University’s Media and Visual Arts program and later completing an MFA in Film at Columbia University.
His earlier short film, "We Are a Family", premiered at the Antalya Film Festival and received Jury Selects and Audience awards at the Columbia University Film Festival.
His projects have appeared in international industry platforms such as CineLink, Connecting Cottbus, and Meetings on the Bridge.
Beyond directing, he edited Hesitation Wound, which premiered in the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival, and co-produced the American-Turkish short Sparks Lampini, which debuted at the Palm Springs Short Film Festival.
"THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES" marks his first feature-length film.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
