My House Stood In Sulukule

Land acquisition for luxury apartment development forces a 600 year old gypsy quarter in Istanbul to be faced with eviction. Sulukule, a run-down district in Istanbul, is the oldest Roma settlement in the world. Until the 1990’s the Roma made a living through music and dance. Sulukule was the home of nearly 40 entertainment houses which were popular with Turks and tourists until the clubs were closed down in the 1990’s. 2005 an urban renewal project started: The municipality wanted to buy all the buildings and replace them with luxury villas, transforming the neighbourhood. The film depicts Sulukule as an example for the numerous urban renewal and gentrification projects worldwide and their social consequences. The needs of the individual are disrespected. The needs of the local community are ignored. The greedy search of the powerful capitalists for more and more profits predominates.

Austria
'
2010


Script
Astrid Heubrandtner

Cinematography
Astrid Heubrandtner
Peter Roehsler

Editing
Charlotte Mullner

Production
Nanookfilm

Music
Sulukule Orchester

Festivals
16th Festival on Wheels
CITY OF REFUGEES