Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul
Germany, Turkey
2005
90 Min
Color, Black and White
1.85:1
English, Turkish, German
Synopsis
Award-winning director Fatih Akin (Head-On) takes the viewer on a unique journey through Istanbul, looking at the vibrant musical scene which includes traditional Turkish music along with rock and hip-hop. An absorbing portrait of the city that bridges Europe and Asia and continues the themes raised in “Head-On” by challenging notions of east and west. See and listen to the neo-psychedelic, fusion, rock and rap bands, to renowned clarinetist Sesler, to the ‘Elvis of Arabesque’ Orhan Gencebay, and to legendary divas.
Director
Fatih Akin
Fatih Akin was born in 1973 in Hamburg of Turkish parentage. He began studying Visual Communications at Hamburg’s College of Fine Arts in 1994. His collaboration with Wüste Film also dates from this time. In 1995, he wrote and directed his first short feature, Sensin – You’re The One! (Sensin – Du Bist Es!), which received the Audience Award at the Hamburg International Short Film Festival. His second short film, Weed (Getuerkt, 1996), received several national and international festival prizes. His first full length feature film, Short Sharp Shock (Kurz Und Schmerzlos, 1998) won the Bronze Leopard at Locarno and the Bavarian Film Award (Best Young Director) in 1998. His other films include: In July (Im Juli, 2000), Wir Haben Vergessen Zurueckzukehren (2001), Solino (2002), the Berlinale Golden Bear-winner and winner of the German and European Film Awards Head-On (Gegen Die Wand, 2003), and Crossing the Bridge – The Sound of Istanbul (2005). —World Cinema Foundation read more
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msmichel
14May13
Akin takes us on a journey through Istanbul by examining the city by entry point of its music. By the quality of the work displayed here I vote that he should do the same in cities all over the world! The film is exceptionally well edited and paced much like some of the fine music showcased. By following musician Alexander Hacke through various artists Akin found the perfect vehicle to capture the city.
fran
15Aug10
I don't have words for this movie, the atmosphere of this city, the souls tha live there and the music: too far beautiful to put into simple words. Just watch it
Luftballons likes this
Linda Crisan
1May10
This is what i'm talking about! The last bit with Sezen Aksu and the photomontage had the right amount of nostalgia and sentimentality to make a little tear drop.
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Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul Review
By Twitchfilm.com on May 17, 2011
If you want to understand a people, Fatih Akin’s Crossing the Bridge advises early on, listen to their music. It’s good advice that Akin follows to some remarkable places in this, his exploration of the
Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul Review
By Twitchfilm.net on July 16, 2010
If you want to understand a people, Fatih Akin’s Crossing the Bridge advises early on, listen to their music. It’s good advice that Akin follows to some remarkable places in this, his exploration of the
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An enchanting musical portrait of the magical city where east and west meet...
By Mutt on April 9, 2010
Turkish-German director Fatih Akın (“Head-On” & “The Edge of Heaven”) follows German musician and “Head-On” soundtrack composer Alexander Hacke of Einstürzende Neubauten to Istanbul for this documentary… read review
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