Communist Osman

This documentary, which carries the spirit of humanism, is the story of those who did not submit to reaction and fascism, who struggled for democracy and human rights by seeking a way out of darkness into light. The main character of the documentary is Osman Özgüven, but it is not a biography, but a documentary of ideas. It tells what he and his comrades did in the name of fundamental rights and freedoms at the cost of paying a heavy price, how they popularised their populist policies, their concrete achievements, their adventures, how they overcame the obstacles they encountered and why they could not overcome some obstacles. These stories will shed light not only on a period but also on the future with their messages, and many of the practices they have realised are of a quality that can be a universal model. This is your story.

Directed by Gökmen Ulu, Communist Osman leans on a strong ensemble — Cahit Berkay, Genco Erkal, Suavi — 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 documentary titles of 2023.