An ordinary day in the mega-city of Istanbul: Ten-year-old Cemo sells paper tissues in the streets, Hayat is controlled by her husband and transsexual Ebru sells her body. All three have a secret love and they do everything to satisfy their longing, if only for a moment.

Shown at the 2016 Locarno Film Festival, Köpek is the feature debut of Turkish director Esen Isik. Exploring the tensions and passions of those who live on Istanbul’s margins, this moving drama tackles the injustices of today’s complex and paradoxical society. An authentic work of filmmaking.