Tuba Büyüküstün’s Film ‘Sultana’ Wins Best Film at Italy’s Matera Festival

The Turkish drama film Sultana, starring acclaimed actress Tuba Büyüküstün, has secured the Best Film award in the Mediterranean Films selection at the Matera Fiction Film and TV Festival in Italy.

Directed by Ali Kemal Güven and written by Erdi Işık, the production has drawn international praise for its unique narrative style and strong performances.

A Fairytale of Solidarity

The Matera Fiction Film and TV Festival, known for celebrating diverse stories from across the Mediterranean region, highlighted the film’s creative approach. The jury commended Sultana for exploring female competition and solidarity through a captivating, fairytale-like lens.

Screenwriter Erdi Işık attended the ceremony in the historic Italian city of Matera to accept the prestigious award on behalf of the cast and crew.

Inside the World of ‘Sultana’

The film centres on the lives of seven women working at a popular nightclub in Istanbul. It delves into their daily struggles, power dynamics, and the fragile balance between fierce rivalry and deep sisterhood in a highly competitive environment.

Tuba Büyüküstün, who plays the lead role of Meral, shares the screen with a strong ensemble cast. The lineup includes Derya Pınar Ak, Seray Kaya, Rojbin Erden, and Begüm Akkaya. Prominent actors Taro Emir Tekin and Hakan Kurtaş also make notable appearances, adding further depth to the story.

Global Recognition for Turkish Cinema

This latest accolade in Italy highlights the continued global appeal of Turkish storytelling. Tuba Büyüküstün has long been a prominent figure in Turkish entertainment, earning a dedicated international fanbase through her extensive television and film work. Her involvement in such a complex, female-led project has been highly anticipated by viewers.

While international audiences often recognise Turkish stars from sweeping historical epics, projects like Sultana showcase the industry’s versatility in contemporary cinema. The film’s ability to blend a gritty urban setting with a magical narrative tone has clearly resonated with European critics. Following its successful festival run, the award-winning production continues to attract attention, proving that Turkish cinema remains a powerful force on the international stage.

Source: Hürriyet
Featured image: Hürriyet