A Regular Woman(KINO/19 German Film Festival)

Inspired by tragic real-life events, A Regular Woman introduces audiences to Hatun "Aynur" Surucu, a lively young Turkish woman growing up in Berlin in a devout Muslim family. Forced into an abusive arranged marriage in Istanbul at 16, Aynur escapes back to Berlin and gives birth to a son. She is considered a disgraceful burden by her parents and siblings, so Aynur soon leaves her family and attempts to start a new life. Her dramatic struggle ends bloody when her younger brother shoots her in the street in an "honor killing".

Director Sherry Hormann’s unflinching film tells Aynur’s story from the character’s point of view, giving her a voice she never had. Aynur’s narrative voice also reveals the effect of her decisions on her family, rendering the extreme actions that they take in the name of “honor” understandable but no less horrible. Blending stark cinematography with beautiful still imagery (with some pictures featuring the real Hatun "Aynur" Surucu), A Regular Woman is a unique non-fiction narrative anchored by Bagriacik’s riveting performance.