HÂLLİKA

Eylül 2026 - Eylül 2027
ANKARA, HATAY, İSTANBUL, İZMİR, MERSİN

HÂLLİKA is a short fiction film project that draws on the personal story of Saudi Arabia-born director Berkan Aktepe. Through cinema, the film seeks to shed light on the impact of migrant labour on individuals, families and society, a phenomenon that has left deep and lasting marks on Antakya and its surrounding areas.

The return of Yusuf, who has been working in Saudi Arabia, to his hometown of Samandağ after four years sets in motion a difficult process in which suppressed emotions and long-held grievances come to the surface. Through Yusuf’s efforts to reconnect with his children and family, the film explores the effects of labour migration on family ties and personal relationships.

Filming has been completed, and the film is currently at the rough-cut stage. The project will focus on the film’s post-production, including editorial revisions, sound and colour work, as well as its festival circulation and special screenings in Antakya and the surrounding areas.

Berkan Aktepe

Berkan Aktepe, born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Antakya, is a film director and screenwriter. He graduated from the Radio and Television Department at Gaziantep University and received training in screenwriting, directing and dramaturgy from Tanıl Arayancan, Yücel Ünlü and Semir Aslanyürek.

His work explores themes of belonging, memory and place. His 2023 short film Çember was a finalist in the National Short Film Competition at the 34th Ankara Film Festival and has been screened at numerous festivals. Alongside his independent filmmaking practice, he has worked extensively in the assistant directing department on feature film productions, bringing the experience gained through collaborations with different directors into his own filmmaking.

Connections:

https://www.instagram.com/hallikafilm/
https://www.instagram.com/berkan_aktepe/

This page is published on 19 October 2026.