The voice of women between the lines
Tugce Celik
In the world of goddesses and heroes, men often appear in the foreground. Yet, behind the scenes, it is always women who bear the pain and resilience. Troy's grieving Andromache, Hekabe who lost her children, Circe who changed destinies with her magic... All leave a silent yet powerful voice of women in human history.
The 3rd International Mythology Film Festival, to be held in Izmir, Aydın, Manisa, Istanbul, and Çanakkale from September 22–30, will elevate the voices of oppressed women under the theme "Mythology and Women ." Professor Dr. Yasemin Polat of the Ege University Archaeology Department, a member of the festival's advisory board, says the event is not only a cinematic but also a threshold that touches upon cultural memory.
According to Polat, while male heroes are often thought to be prominent in mythology, women bear the brunt of the burden: “While Hector fought on the front lines in the Trojan War, Andromache suffered the most. She lived with the fear of losing her husband, her son, and her country in a situation where she wasn't the decision-maker. Ultimately, her fear came true: she witnessed her son's death and was forced into the bed of her enemy. Similarly, Hekabe's loss of her twenty children and her husband is often left in the background in male narratives. Yet, the anxiety and resilience experienced by women evokes the female figure who, to this day, ensures the continuity of home, hearth, and life.”
Polat also emphasizes that combining Anatolian mythology with digital games offers a significant opportunity for the transmission of cultural heritage: “Games are one of the most effective tools for reaching young people's language. Anyone who plays such a game will undoubtedly be curious about the heroes and locations. This is the festival's aim: to increase interest in mythology and archaeology and to connect the right experts with enthusiasts.”
Polat, who says mythology still speaks to modern people, reminds us that universal concerns remain unchanged: “Mythology never loses its popularity because it's based on human beings' fundamental fears and quests. Therefore, modern people find their own anxieties there.” He adds that women-centered mythologies have been written: “Books like The Silence of the Girls, Circe, and The Trojan Women highlight the women who remain between the lines of the Iliad. If only these narratives had been written earlier, perhaps we too would have read ancient texts with a different perspective. I definitely recommend them to my students now.”
Polat, stating that holding the festival in ancient cities is not a nostalgic choice but a conscious one, says that this year, events will be held in the ancient cities of Tralles in Aydın and Troy in Çanakkale: “Each ancient city is identified with its own mythos, each one opening the door to different narratives.”
CONTINUITY IN MEMORYPolat notes that mythology is constantly being reinterpreted in human memory: “The questions asked in ancient times are still being asked today. Similar pains and similar anxieties confront us in different forms. These narratives don't disappear; they are passed down from generation to generation and carried on to the present day. The festival is one of the new tools for this.”
As part of the festival, Polat will give a talk titled "The Hero's Journey and Heroines" at İzmir Konak Pier on September 23. Attendance at the event is free.
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ANCIENT HEROES IN GIFTSWhen asked whether mythology risks becoming superficial in the speed- and consumption-focused structure of the digital world, Polat responds: “Mythological heroes have even become part of tourist attractions. This may seem superficial, but it's necessary to generate interest. Thanks to the festival, those interested can reach the right people, making it possible to create more profound works.”
BirGün
