Theater, cinema world unites to condemn coup attempt

The failed Gülenist coup is gathering reactions from the artistic sphere. In addition to singers who support the government against the coup attempt, artists from cinema and theater have also raised their voices in the wake of the coup.

Cinema and theater associations and actors have reacted strongly against the recent coup attempt. Theater Actors Association members and actors from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) City Theaters are organizing a demonstration, "Long Live Democracy," to condemn the coup attempt that was orchestrated by the Gülenist Terror Organization (FETÖ). According to a statement released by the association, the democracy march will begin in front of the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage at 4:00 p.m. under the leadership of İBB City Theaters actors. The statement condemning the coup attempt reads: "The coup attempt was crushed and burned thanks to the determined stance of Turkish citizens, the heroic police force and the honorable staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. We curse the planning and attempted orchestration of the coup attempt by traitors. We hope for the continuity of the spirit of solidarity among the opposition parties along with the ruling party and the Parliament speaker and President Erdoğan's leadership and determined stance. Long live democracy and long live freedom." The statement also presented the condolences of the association to the families of democracy martyrs.

İBB City Theaters General Art Director Süha Uygur spoke to Anadolu Agency about the failed coup attempt. He said that he would stand against any military coup until the end, adding: "Turkey is a democratic country and no one can try to remove us from this democratic understanding. A coup is a crime against humanity. We will stand beside our government until the end." Uygur underscored that Turkey united against the coup attempt and said: "Turkey banded together with a common spirit. Standing for democracy together created a strong feeling of confidence. I am a man who experienced the 1980s military coup [on March 12, 1980]. The night that coup attempt took place we lived through the worst day in Republican history. All of Turkey witnessed how terrible it was. I hope we do not live through those same things ever again." Uygur also stated his wish to bring those responsible for this attempt to justice and punish them severely. Uygur reiterated that there is a democracy march today at 4:00 p.m., saying: "We will march to the Atatürk Monument to state that we say no to the coup, long live democracy and that we stand for democracy. I invite all actors to the march."

Famous actor Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, who last acted in "Karadayı," broadcast on ATV, condemned the coup attempt orchestrated by FETÖ by posting on social media a photograph featuring him in front of the Turkish flag. The actor said: "I condemn this coup attempt that targeted the freedom of the Turkish nation and its citizens' right to live with democracy along with all other anti-democratic actions vehemently. I offer my condolences to the families of all heroic martyrs. I am grateful to them. I will always remember them with respect." Stressing the importance of solidarity, İmirzalıoğlu added: "Today is the day that we protect democracy. Today is the day we unite."

The film crew of the television series, "Diriliş: Ertuğrul" (Resurrection: Ertuğrul), which airs on the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), showed their reaction to FETÖ in a video that featured series director Metin Günay and leading actors, shared on the official Twitter page of producer Mehmet Bozdağ. In the video, actor Engin Altan Düzyatan says: "We will not take a step back against those who hindered democracy." On the other hand, Hülya Darcan says, "We will not allow any attempts against democracy," while Esra Bilgiç says, "To give our children a happy and peaceful future, we will not leave the streets."

Director Günay echoed the words of Bilgiç, saying they will not leave the streets empty. Producer Bozdağ said, "We will stand for justice and freedom until the end." The video, which also features messages from Ayberk Pekcan and Cavit Çetin Güner, ends with a written statement: "We will not yield to cruelty. We will stand firmly against a coup. We will protect the will of the Turkish people."