Kızıl Goncalar controversy: 'The pens of screenwriters should not be interfered with'

In addition to Faruk Turgut, the producer of the series Kızıl Goncalar, which is under investigation by RTÜK, the show's screenwriter Şükrü Necati Şahin had also been targeted. Senaristbir Secretary General Ayhan Sonyürek stated, "As screenwriters, we are holding meetings among ourselves to discuss this issue. The pens of screenwriters should not be interfered with. We are against all forms of censorship."

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Kızıl Goncalar controversy: 'The pens of screenwriters should not be interfered with'

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Obstacles continue to mount against the broadcast of Kızıl Goncalar, the Gold Film-produced series on 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 canceled despite all payments having been made. Then, another obstacle arose on December 25, 2023.

Filming permits for the Okmeydanı Darülaceze, where hospital scenes featuring Özcan Deniz, who plays Dr. Levent in the series, were being shot, were canceled following instructions from the Ministry of Family and Social Services. A search for new locations has begun for the production, which has had its set shut down for the second time.

In addition to the show's producer Faruk Turgut, screenwriter Şükrü Necati Şahin had also been targeted.

'WE ARE AGAINST ALL FORMS OF CENSORSHIP'

Senaristbir Secretary General Ayhan Sonyürek made statements regarding the controversy that has occupied the public agenda.

Sonyürek stated, "As screenwriters, we are holding meetings among ourselves to discuss this issue. We stand for freedom of expression. The pens of screenwriters should not be interfered with. We are against all forms of censorship."

'WE ARE A PUNITIVE SOCIETY'

Continuing his remarks, Sonyürek said, "The banning and punishment of a series or film due to its content is something that happens in underdeveloped societies. In developed societies, people express their thoughts freely. Unfortunately, we are a punitive society and we are not tolerant."

'THEY DECLARED WAR ON US'

Faruk Turgut, the producer of Kızıl Goncalar, which depicts secular and conservative lives, had said, "They declared war on us, but we will fight to the end. These obstructions will cause me a loss of 10 million TL, but health comes first. We will find new locations like lions."

WHAT IS SENARISTBIR?

Believing that existing professional unions for authors lacked the infrastructure, equipment, and willingness to defend the rights of screenwriters, screenwriters and dialogue writers established their own professional union, the Professional Union of Cinema Work Authors for Screenplay and Dialogue Writers, known by its short name, Senaristbir. Screenwriters and dialogue writers came together to protect their profession and to collect and distribute royalties in a fair manner.

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT OF KIZIL GONCALAR?

Kızıl Goncalar explores the intersection of the fates of Levent (Özcan Deniz), a secular Kemalist, and Meryem (Özgü Namal), who lives within a conservative religious sect, while highlighting the unifying power of motherhood/fatherhood when it comes to a "child," despite differences in faith and opinion.

Faruk Turgut serves as the producer of Kızıl Goncalar, while Şükrü Necati Şahin serves as the screenwriter. The series stars Özcan Deniz and Özgü Namal.