Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Creative Genesis & Labor Focus
The production begins with script development and directorial hesitation, quickly shifting to a committed focus on depicting glass factory, shipyard, and leather worker exploitation.
Key Events
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Script Development by Yıldız and Zeybek — Writers Bekir Yıldız and Haşmet Zeybek draft the screenplay focusing on working-class struggles.
Location: Istanbul
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Director Hiçdurmaz Initial Hesitation — Director Muzaffer Hiçdurmaz initially shows reluctance toward the project.
Location: Production Office
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Filming Commencement Decision — Hiçdurmaz changes his mind and officially begins filming.
Location: Production Studio
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Glass Factory Worker Depiction — The narrative opens with scenes depicting harsh conditions in a glass workshop.
Location: Glass Factory
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Shipyard Labor Conditions — Story transitions to the shipyard, highlighting systemic worker exploitation.
Location: Shipyard
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Kazlıçeşme Leather Workers Portrayal — The film extends to leather workers operating under medieval-style labor regimes.
Location: Kazlıçeşme
Political Censorship & Production Pressure
Amidst the lingering political climate of the 12 September coup, the title is softened and the crew faces intense police scrutiny and interrogation.
Key Events
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Kazlıçeşme Leather Workers Portrayal — The film extends to leather workers operating under medieval-style labor regimes.
Location: Kazlıçeşme
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Title Change from Direniş to Çark — To avoid negative consequences under the lingering 12 September coup climate, the title is softened.
Location: Production Office
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Political Context Integration — The screenplay subtly reflects the oppressive atmosphere of the military dictatorship era.
Location: Istanbul
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Police Interrogations & Pressure — The production crew faces repeated police questioning due to the film's sensitive themes.
Location: Police Station
Exhibition Ban & Historical Silence
Institutional resistance leads to a widespread screening ban in Istanbul, forcing the film into decades of archival suppression despite producer efforts.
Key Events
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Istanbul Screening Ban — Police pressure forces theater owners to withdraw the film from public exhibition.
Location: Istanbul Theaters
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Theater Owners Refusal — A widespread 'do not screen this film' mentality takes over across multiple venues.
Location: Cinema District
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Decades of Historical Suppression — The film remains hidden from public view for many years due to institutional censorship.
Location: National Archives
Labor Impact & Modern Revival
The film indirectly sparks a real-world factory strike, and years later, union backing enables its long-awaited public screening and historical recognition.
Key Events
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Decades of Historical Suppression — The film remains hidden from public view for many years due to institutional censorship.
Location: National Archives
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Kazlıçeşme Workers Strike & Closure — Inspired by the film, workers go on strike 20 days after filming, leading to factory closure.
Location: Kazlıçeşme Factory
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Union & Festival Support — DİSK-affiliated unions and cultural organizations begin supporting the film's revival.
Location: Union Headquarters
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2006 Public Screening & Legacy — The film finally reaches audiences at the 1st International Workers Cinema Festival.
Location: Istanbul & Ankara
