Filmed over five years, ‘Dying To Divorce’ takes viewers into the heart of Turkey’s gender-based violence crisis and the recent political events that have severely eroded democratic freedoms. Through intimately shot personal stories, the film gives a unique perspective on the struggle to be an independent woman in modern Turkey.

More than one in three Turkish women have experienced domestic violence and the number of femicides is rising. But some Turkish women are fighting back. Ipek Bozkurt, a courageous lawyer, is determined to challenge this misogynistic violence by putting abusive men behind bars. 

Working with a group of activists, Ipek is fighting to get justice for two survivors of horrific violence – Arzu, married off at 14 to a farmer ten years her senior and Kubra, a successful and glamorous TV presenter. From very different backgrounds, both were lucky to survive the attacks by their partners. 

Arzu was married off at 14 to a farmer ten years her senior. She lost both legs and the use of her arms when her husband fired seven shotgun shells into her after she asked for a divorce. She must try to rebuild her life to regain custody of her children, who have been taken into care. 

Kubra, a successful and glamorous TV presenter, suffered a brain haemorrhage after being attacked by her husband, two days after giving birth. Her injuries resulted in the loss of her ability to speak and walk. Her husband denies attacking her and has kept their daughter. Kubra must undergo intensive speech therapy in order to testify against him in court. Unless he is convicted, Kubra may not see her daughter again.

Ipek’s fight is not only against a legal system which regularly gives light sentences to male perpetrators but an increasingly repressive government whose unprecedented crackdown on dissenting voices leaves Ipek, like thousands of other lawyers, fearing imprisonment.

This film was directed by Chloe Fairweather, produced by Sinead Kirwan and executive produced by Natasha Dack Ojumu.

A Dying to Divorce Ltd Production, co- produced by  Aldeles, in association with  Freak Productions and Tigerlily Productions.

The World Festival Premiere was at MOVIES THAT MATTER in the Netherlands where it was nominated for the Camera Justitia Award and Grand Jury Prize, and its North American Premiere was at HOTDOCS FESTIVAL

"The film expertly presents the political and cultural forces that perpetuate a culture of violence against women, regardless of where they are on the social ladder. It also shows the effect on the male family of the women. Although set in Turkey, the film has universal relevance as domestic violence and hate crimes against women are a global problem. It's a must see." Special mention in the Movies That Matter Grand Jury Prize.

https://dyingtodivorce.com

Winner of the Best Documentary BAFTA (Scotland, Wales)

For WDR/ZDF

82 mins

2020