My Father is a Hero

After his wife passed away, Altan created a small world with his son Can, where they could withstand life’s difficulties. Even in the toughest situations, he could turn it into a game and make those around him laugh, even in the most tragic moments. Altan works as a garbage collector for the municipality and lives with his son Can in a shantytown neighborhood adjacent to Istanbul’s wealthy districts. Can’s entire world revolves around comic books. One day, Can is diagnosed with stage four heart failure, which shatters Altan’s world. Can’s only chance is a heart transplant, and finding a donor for a child his age is extremely difficult. From then on, the only thing Altan can do is keep Can happy and maintain his spirits. Altan finds the way to make Can happy through comic books.

Directed by Orçun Benli, My Father is a Hero leans on a strong ensemble — Ufuk Bayraktar, Mahir İpek, Mehmet Emin Güney — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 2023.