Deploy Folding Table of contents
The highly anticipated film that claimed the Audience Award at the recent Berlin International Film Festival is now premiering in our country.
Exploring the Roots of Levin Akin
Despite being a Swedish director and screenwriter, Levin Akin remains connected to his heritage. His parents, who originated from Georgia, moved to Europe in the 1960s, a time when Georgia was still under Soviet communist regime. Levin Akin openly identifies as gay and aims to amplify the voices of his community through his filmmaking endeavors, particularly in nations where such discussions may be more challenging than in Sweden.
Acclaimed Works and New Releases
Akin garnered international acclaim for his 2019 film, And Then We Danced, which depicted the passionate love story between two dancers—one from Georgia and the other from Iraq—set against a backdrop of strict conservatism. Now, as we step into 2024, he presents his latest work, Crossing, in our theaters, further delving into the LGBTQ+ themes he is passionate about.
The Profound Narrative of Crossing
Crossing follows Lia, a retired teacher, on her journey to locate her long-lost niece, Tekla. Her quest leads her to Istanbul, where she encounters Evrim, a lawyer advocating for transgender rights. This pivotal moment reveals to Lia that Tekla may be closer than she ever imagined.
Artistically, the film has achieved remarkable success, not merely by winning the Audience Award in Berlin and the Teddy Award for Best Queer Film, but also through its overwhelmingly positive reviews. Currently, on the film review platform FilmAffinity, it boasts 23 reviews, each one favorable. Variety commends Akin’s thoughtful approach to raising awareness about Istanbul’s transgender community, emphasizing representation over manipulation. Meanwhile, The Guardian praises it as “an intelligent film featuring three outstanding lead performances.” The Los Angeles Times highlights that the film is “filled with compassion, hope, and authenticity, showcasing remarkable humanity.”
A Personal Connection
The inspiration for Crossing struck Akin while he was listening to a story about a Georgian grandfather who wholeheartedly supported his transgender granddaughter. This narrative prompted Akin to reflect on whether his own grandparents would have taken a similar stance. He believes that, just as transgender individuals deserve the same rights as their cisgender counterparts, society should also refrain from harboring prejudices towards older individuals.
In a conversation with rogerebert.com, Akin shares, “Lia is based on several older individuals I’ve encountered throughout my childhood, particularly women. In Sweden, there’s significant age segregation; people often think, ‘Oh my, they’re old,’ and avoid interaction. I, on the other hand, embrace those connections. While clubs and bars in Sweden may not host as many older patrons as in Turkey or Georgia, there’s a general expectation for elderly people to retreat silently into isolation; you’re not expected to witness the aging process.” Akin’s upbringing amidst elders equipped him with a different legacy.
For lovers of impactful narratives and European cinema, make sure to catch Crossing in theaters starting October 4. Reviews suggest that this could be one of the standout films of the year.
