← Back to homeHOLLYWOOD

Celik's Coup! Turkish Director Shakes Up Shanghai Film Fest!

Turkish director Reis Çelik’s new thriller, "Night of Blindness," is generating major buzz at the Shanghai Film Festival, making it an early favorite for the Golden Goblet.

6/18/2026, 1:09:11 AM

Share:
BUZZ
Celik's Coup! Turkish Director Shakes Up Shanghai Film Fest!

The Shanghai International Film Festival is currently buzzing with an electrifying new contender, and it’s all thanks to Turkish director Reis Çelik. His latest cinematic offering, "Night of Blindness," is rapidly becoming the talk of the town, seizing the spotlight as a serious front-runner for the coveted Golden Goblet award. This intense black-and-white thriller isn't just another film; it's a deeply personal journey translated onto the big screen, captivating audiences and critics alike.

Çelik isn't just fabricating drama for entertainment. "Night of Blindness" pulls directly from his harrowing real-life experiences during the 1980 military coup in Turkey. This isn’t a loosely inspired tale; it's an authentic, raw portrayal of trauma and fear, making the film resonate on a profound level with viewers who might not even share his background.

The director masterfully transforms his individual ordeal into a universal feeling of dread and suspense. The black-and-white aesthetic isn’t merely a stylistic choice; it amplifies the grittiness and tension, immersing the audience in the bleak and uncertain atmosphere of his past. Every frame crackles with an intensity that only comes from a story lived, not just imagined.

BUZZ
Celik's Coup! Turkish Director Shakes Up Shanghai Film Fest! — photo 3

Industry insiders and festivalgoers are already singing its praises. The Hollywood Reporter notes the film’s uncanny ability to turn personal pain into a shared human experience of terror. This critical acclaim isn't just about technical prowess; it’s about the film’s powerful emotional core.

The film’s early success at Shanghai has set it apart. With "Night of Blindness" emerging as a clear favorite, the buzz is palpable. The Golden Goblet is a prestigious award, and Çelik’s film is making a strong case for taking home the top honors.

What’s next for "Night of Blindness"? This early triumph suggests a promising future. Expect to hear a lot more about this chilling thriller as it continues its festival run. Will it secure distribution and captivate audiences worldwide? All signs point to a major breakthrough for this powerful and deeply personal work.

Çelik’s ability to turn such a brutal period of history into such a compelling and universally relatable narrative is a testament to his directorial genius. "Night of Blindness" isn't just a film to watch; it’s a film to experience, a testament to the enduring power of cinema to connect us through shared human emotions, even the most terrifying ones. The festival circuit awaits to see if this Turkish powerhouse continues its winning streak.

Advertisement

Share:
Read original at Hollywood Reporter

DAILY DROP

Get the gossip in your inbox

Hottest celebrity stories, hand-picked daily. No spam, just chaos.

Advertisement