Our Exclusive Interview with “Paper Lives” Director, Can Ulkay — Part Two

This article contains the second and final portion of our interview with Director Can Ulkay, in which he elaborates on the psychological, social, and artistic aspects of “Paper Lives” and on his plans for the future. (For Part One of the interview, please click here.) We faithfully reproduced Mr. Ulkay’s answers in our English translation…

“Kağıttan Hayatlar”: Nothing Is What It Seems

WARNING! This review includes SPOILERS about the movie “Kağıttan Hayatlar.” (“Paper Lives”) If you have yet to watch it, please check out the film’s spoiler-free information page on this website instead. Make sure, however, to come back to this review after you see the movie! “Kağıttan Hayatlar” entices viewers with an endearing and ostensibly linear…

“Paper Lives”: The Man Behind the Camera

On 12 March, the whole world will finally get to watch Director Can Ulkay’s much-anticipated movie “Kağıttan Hayatlar” (Paper Lives) on Netflix. Since little is known about him outside of Turkey, we decided to take a closer look in anticipation of the film’s release. Believe it or not, Can Ulkay produced his first full-length feature…

The Children of Çağatay

Due for global release on Netflix on 12 March 2021, “Kağıttan Hayatlar” tells the story of Mehmet, a solid waste warehouse manager. He has lived most of his life on the streets of Istanbul. Now as an adult, he helps unfortunate children who, just like him, were left alone to fend for themselves. One day,…

Çağatay’s Tale

Çağatay Ulusoy’s story reads like the “American Dream” come true… Turkish style! The hyperactive, multi-talented son of hard-working immigrants, he realized at a young age that nature had bestowed unique gifts upon him, and set on to work hard to put them to good use.