Early Winter

Ferhat (49), a factory manager in Istanbul, and Handan (45), a bank manager, decide to have a child through surrogacy with Lia (28), a young artist of Georgian and Ukrainian descent. Shortly after their daughter Ada (1) is born, war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine. As a result, Lia is forced to stay in Istanbul with Ferhat and Handan for a while longer. Believing that surrogacy is the formula that will take her to Europe, Lia does not want to leave Ada.

Directed by Özcan Alper, Early Winter leans on a strong ensemble — Timuçin Esen, Leyla Tanlar, Nastya Bogdanova — 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 drama titles of 2025.