I cannot sleep when there is storm outside

Directed by Sinem Taş

Synopsis:
The film reflects the inner uneasiness of a peaceful night spent in a safe house on a stormy night in a European country which is inspired by personal experiences based on individual inquiries. It combines the distant pain of the ongoing war in Gaza with the feeling of helplessness and guilt, with the imagination of sounds heard loudly in a distant place but weakly transmitted to the current location. The discomfort of 'doing nothing' between sleep and wakefulness constitutes the main theme of the film.

Director Statement:
The film questions the themes of guilt, helplessness, and the dissonance between personal comfort and global suffering by prompting viewers to reflect on their own place in the world and their responsibilities to others. It can spark conversations about privilege, empathy, and the moral issues to take action in the face of injustice. Moreover, by centering the narrative around the ongoing war in Gaza, the film brings light on a pressing humanitarian crisis that might not always receive sufficient attention in mainstream media. It aims to remind the experiences of those affected by conflict and encourages viewers to engage with complex geopolitical issues on a more personal level. Additionally, the inner reflection of the discomfort of "doing nothing" may motivate viewers to seek ways to contribute positively to the world and it may inspire individuals to recognize their agency in creating positive social change.