Instead of Us (Film)

In Our Place is a Turkish romantic drama film released in 2016, directed by Umur Turagay and written by Pınar Bulut. The film explores themes of personal search and confrontation through the relationship between a young woman living with her family in a small town and a newly assigned literature teacher.

The film centers on Çiçek, a woman whose life is confined within the boundaries set by her family and surroundings, and her transformation after meeting Doğan, a new literature teacher in town. The relationship between Çiçek and Doğan creates a rupture both within her inner world and in her relationships with her family. The film examines, within a dramatic structure, the role of love in the pursuit of individual freedom and how secrets from the past shape this quest.

• Serenay Sarıkaya – Çiçek
• Nejat İşler – Doğan
• Zerrin Tekindor – Ülkü
• Özgür Emre Yıldırım – Kudret
• Merve Çağıran – Sevil
• İştar Gökseven – Murat
• Meltem Evcioğlu – Kadife
• Aslı Bekiroğlu – Ceylan
• Sezin Bozacı – Ayşegül
• Ayşegül Cengiz – Şerife

The film was produced by Cemal Okan and Timur Savcı, with production managed by TAFF Pictures. Başak Abacıgil served as executive producer, while İşil Ege, Tunay Vural, and Seyba Tüysüzoğlu worked in the production department. Cinematography was handled by Yon Thomas, art direction by Soydan Kuş, and music by Hakan Özer. Filming took place in various rural regions of Türkiye.

In Our Place addresses themes such as individual identity, freedom, the limits of traditional family structures, and love. The film portrays how a person’s life, shaped by societal and familial pressure, undergoes transformation through love. It also explores the impact of the past on the individual, hidden family secrets, and the theme of confrontation. The contrast between rural and urban life and sociological insights into female identity are also notable elements.

According to Box Office Türkiye data, the film was watched by 1,346,845 viewers nationwide and generated a total revenue of 16,979,141 TL. No public information is available regarding the film’s budget.

In Our Place (2016) won awards and received nominations at two different award ceremonies in 2017.

• Turkey Youth Awards (2017)
• • Won: Best Film (Golden Star)
  • Nominated: Best Actress – Serenay Sarıkaya (Golden Star)
• Golden Palm Awards (2017)
• • Won: Best Actress – Serenay Sarıkaya (Golden Palm)