The journey from art to resistance

Meltem Sezen Kılıç-Deniz Zeka

A life kneaded with the universal language of art, literature and music…

The life story of Zülfü Livaneli , which has resonated on a universal scale, has been revived with the poetic narration of documentarian Nebil Özgentürk . The documentary also offers an in-depth look at Turkey's recent history, cultural changes and political turmoil. These two powerful figures, who have left deep traces in the cultural and political memory of the country, come together in the 'Livaneli Documentary' to bring to the screen not only a personal life story but also the collective conscience, the spirit of the age, the pain and hopes of a people that have left a mark on their memory.

The documentary's life story, filtered through Türkiye's difficult times, reminds us that resistance and healing through art are possible. This narrative is also an invitation to confrontation that resonates with the spirit of society. In Özgentürk's cinematic narrative, silences as well as images, testimonies as well as events, and emotions as well as memories become the building blocks of the narrative. We spoke with Özgentürk about his documentary.

How did the scene where Livaneli addresses his youth come about?

This scene was Zülfü Livaneli's idea. The scene where today's Zülfü Livaneli gives hope to the 26-year-old Zülfü Livaneli, saying, "Don't worry, you will escape these torture chambers. You will compose great compositions, write novels, and always stand tall." That scene contains a metaphorical reference to Türkiye's history. The owner of the documentary is the person whose subject it is. Especially if this person has great creativity in music, literature and the world of ideas like Zülfü Livaneli, it is much more meaningful for a documentary prepared with his ideas to reach millions. We have a person who spent his life in writing and art. A documentary shaped by his ideas is very valuable as the story of a name who left nearly 60 works during his mastery period. We shot his first documentary in 1999 in two parts because his story could not fit into one part. This new documentary was prepared by taking into account technological developments and his worldwide recognition. His creativity formed the basis of this narrative.

How was the preparation process?

The illustrations, plot and texts are the product of meticulous teamwork. Although the texts belong to me, the book 'Sevdım Hayat' inspired us greatly; we designed the scenes based on memories. We took Livaneli's opinion at every stage, including the illustrations. As documentarians, we dream of a work of art that will be watched from generation to generation. It was a technical and content process that took one and a half years. The original documentary is 4 hours long, and the premiere version is 2 hours; we shortened this together.

What kind of function would you like the documentary to have for young people?

Words fly away, but writings remain. Documentary will last for years. If it is made like a work of art, it will be watched in 2050. Because we did not make a news program. We did a meticulous job with a life story, but with an artistic texture, with music and narration. Documentary should be told like a novel, like a story. We wanted to show how Zülfü Abi went through difficulties and still produced with hope. We tell the story of 60-70 years in the documentary. Sometimes dark, sometimes bright periods... But there is always enthusiasm and resistance in his story. We wanted to leave this hope to today's generations.

What does the documentary highlight?

We told the story of Zülfü Livaneli and the country. I am always hopeful. Not everyone will watch a documentary. But we still reach millions. There are people who have never encountered Âşık Veysel's folk songs, Yaşar Kemal's novels, Nazım Hikmet's poems, Neşet Ertaş's bozlaks. But there are also very valuable university students and academics. I attend conferences. I tell high school students about Atilla İlhan, Neşet Ertaş, Yaşar Kemal. This is my 38 years of labor. The documentary will be released and watched for years. Livaneli's works will remain for thousands of years. Every word tells an attitude, a resistance. We are obliged to reflect these values.

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THE NARRATOR TRYING TO KEEP SOCIAL MEMORY ALIVE

The documentary is not based on a simple chronology; on the contrary, it deals with Türkiye's social fractures, the oppression experienced by intellectuals, their intellectual transformations and their search for freedom from a multi-layered perspective. One of the important elements that make up the documentary is Nebil Özgentürk's unique narrative language and framing. Özgentürk is not just a documentarian behind the camera; he is a narrator who traces the past, tries to keep social memory alive and approaches human stories with deep sensitivity. The poetic touch he adds to the documentary further strengthens the emotional bond established with the audience.