Kızıl Goncalar producer Faruk Turgut speaks to 12punto: 'They have declared war on us, but we will fight to the end'

Filming permits for the series Kızıl Goncalar, which is currently under investigation by RTÜK, have been revoked. Faruk Turgut, the producer of the series, spoke to 12punto for the first time regarding the controversial show. Turgut stated, "They have declared war on us, but we will fight to the end. These obstructions will cause me a loss of 10 million TL, but so be it. We will find new locations like lions."

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Kızıl Goncalar producer Faruk Turgut speaks to 12punto: 'They have declared war on us, but we will fight to the end'

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Obstacles continue to mount for the broadcast of Kızıl Goncalar, the Gold Film-produced series for FOX, starring Özgü Namal and Özcan Deniz.

Filming permits for two locations, which had been redecorated at a cost of millions of liras under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, were revoked despite all payments having been made. A further obstacle followed on December 25, 2023.

Filming permits for the Okmeydanı Darülaceze, where the hospital scenes for the character Dr. Levent, played by Özcan Deniz, were being shot, were revoked following instructions from the Ministry of Family and Social Services. A search for new locations has begun for the set, which has now been halted for the second time.

'THEY HAVE DECLARED WAR ON US'

Faruk Turgut, the producer of Kızıl Goncalar, which depicts secular and conservative lives, spoke for the first time about the series that has become a subject of public debate.

Turgut stated, "We paid for these locations and signed contracts, but we are experiencing problems. To be honest, this has been a lesson for me. I will never again enter into any place connected to the state. They have declared war on us, but we will fight to the end. These obstructions will cause me a loss of 10 million TL, but so be it. We will find new locations like lions."

'IF I WERE A COWARD...'

Stating that the obstacles directed at the series have not negatively affected him, Turgut said, "This situation motivates me. I set out on this path having calculated what might happen. We will not be discouraged and we will continue the fight. I am not a man who would be discouraged by fear or threats. If I were a coward, I wouldn't be doing this work. I could have made shows that put people to sleep and practiced this profession without touching on sensitive issues. But that wouldn't suit my character."

'I HOPE RTÜK ISSUES A PENALTY'

The famous producer, explaining that the series deals with the intersecting fates of Levent (Özcan Deniz), a secular Atatürkist, and Meryem (Özgü Namal), who lives within a conservative religious sect, said, "I am trying to hold an objective mirror to Turkish sociology. The truth must be spoken; we cannot get anywhere by ignoring it. But unfortunately, in our country, the truth is swept under the rug. We have such a problem. I am not making this work to bring anything negative to the unity, solidarity, or order of this country," and added:

"What kind of logic is it to pass judgment after watching only 2 episodes of a series? Last year, they penalized Kızılcık Şerbeti, and everyone heard about the show. I hope RTÜK penalizes us too. They are playing into my hands; I hope they stir it up a bit more."

'I WANT THE POLARIZATION TO END'

Emphasizing that he has been a producer for 40 years, Turgut said, "I have 600 people working for me. Am I a fool to do something that would get me into trouble? I want the absurd polarization in society and the mutual dismissal of one another to end. I want people to look at each other's conscience and mind, not their clothing."

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT OF KIZIL GONCALAR?

While Kızıl Goncalar focuses on the intersecting fates of Levent (Özcan Deniz), a secular Atatürkist, and Meryem (Özgü Namal), who lives within a conservative religious sect, it draws attention to the unifying power of motherhood/fatherhood when it comes to a "child," despite differences in faith and opinion.

The production of Kızıl Goncalar is undertaken by Faruk Turgut, while the screenplay is written by Şükrü Necati Şahin. The series stars Özcan Deniz and Özgü Namal.

RTÜK HAS LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has announced that it is investigating complaints regarding the series "Kızıl Goncalar" broadcast on FOX TV.

Filming permits for the Kızıl Goncalar series have also been revoked.

News Source: 12punto