Original subtitles

He's not happy you took the car again.

Like I give a fuck.

Boy!

You hear me?

What do you want?

You take my car again?

No. What car?

No?

I just drove some Turkish tourists from the border.

Turkish tourists?

I'm tryin' to make money like you're always on about.

You sit like that in front of my wife?

Go do that in the other room.

What? I'm covered up.

Go!

There's some woman in front of our house.

I'll be damned.

Ms. Lia?

Ms. Lia.

Ruso, get out here, girl! We got a guest!

Don't you recognize me?

No.

Your old student, Zaza?

You've gotten fat.

Ms. Lia, what you doing out here?

Asking around for someone who knew my niece.

She used to live in these cottages.

Really?

Yes, they say she moved across the border to Istanbul.

Come on inside, we'll ask my wife,

she'll know something. Welcome.

Ruso!

Sorry for just barging in like this.

Not at all. Please sit.

Boy!

Bring a good bottle!

This woman's classy and refined,

unlike you lot.

Georgia's future...

Degenerates.

Useless, the whole lot.

Bring the glasses!

Coming up.

So, Ms. Lia...

Cheers.

Forgive me for what I'm about to tell you.

What are you sorry about?

Some strange people used to live in those cottages...

Prostitutes.

I'm not saying your niece...

What's the name of your niece?

She calls herself...

Tekla.

What? You know this girl?

No.

She's talking about one of those trans girls.

You better watch your mouth, boy!

Please forgive my brother.

I'm just trying to help her!

My condolences, Ms. Lia.

It's a real tragedy for the family when these things...

Indeed.

Boy.

Yes?

Did you know her?

Nah. Just seen her around, that's all.

A bunch of them were living together. But then they were kicked out.

Alright then...

Ms. Lia, why are you looking for her? Better to just leave it be.

Sorry again for barging in like this.

Not at all.

Lady!

Lady, wait!

Are you going to Istanbul to look for your niece?

'Cause I got her address.

Show me.

One second...

See?

What am I supposed to see here?

It's in Turkish.

- Write it down for me in Georgian. - Can I go with you?

My mom lives over there too,

maybe I can find her and get a job?

I speak some Turkish!

Hello, my name is Achi, how are you?

And I learned some English from YouTube.

I'll be your translator.

- Is this really her address? - I swear.

She left it in case someone asked for her.

We used to smoke together.

She's got friends over there, she told me.

This is their address. She went to live with them.

It's win-win.

- Fine. - Fine? Are you for real?

Wait, when are we leaving?

- Now. - Now?

Wait, what? Like now, now?

- Do you have ID? - Yes at home.

Meet me down by the border tomorrow morning.

I'll be damned.

Lady!

Lady!

- What's going on? - I'll drive you home.

What do you want? What's happened?

Let me drop you off!

I told you to meet me tomorrow morning.

- Where do you live? - Up in Khulo.

My brother had my ID so I punched him to get it back.

Clocked him in his fat ugly face! You should've seen his reaction.

So you're her aunt then, or what?

That's correct.

So her mother was your sister?

That's usually how it works.

- So where's your sister? - She passed away.

So, why do you wanna find Tekla?

I promised her mother I'd find her and bring her home.

It was her dying wish.

I'd say my brother knew Tekla pretty well.

He'd sneak into her cottage more times than I can count.

So are you excited to...

Enough of this nonsense.

I don't want you blathering on all the way, is that clear?

Whatever you say, lady.

And no drinking or narcotics. Is that understood?

Who do you think I am?

Keep your eyes on the road.

What are you waiting for? Get in and close the door.

I'm out of firewood.

It gets real cold here at night.

Help me out.

Go fetch some cucumbers and tomatoes from the neighbor's yard.

Are you kidding me, why?

Go on.

Wake up.

You got any money of your own with you?

No, not really.

So now you understand why we're bringing cucumbers.

- Madam Lia? - What you want?

Mom saw you borrow some cucumbers and tomatoes from our garden.

She thought you may want some pelamushi too?

Oh she did, did she?

- Who's that boy? - None of your business.

Are you going on vacation?

Sure, kid. Tell your mom I'm off to Paris!

Paris?

Wow!

Let's go.

Thank you.

I don't give a fuck. I'm never coming back.

Passport or ID?

One moment.

Thank you.

Hello.

Hello.

It looks exactly the same.

What did you expect?

Isn't this a different country?

Wait until you see Istanbul.

Wait, you've been to Istanbul?

Once.

So, how was it?

Did you forget what I told you in the car?

Yes, sorry. No talking, Ms. Lia.

But it must have been cool, right?

It was alright.

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello.

All of this.

Off to harvest tea in Rize?

Yes.

Do you take gold too?

Yes.

My sister's, from when she got married.

It used to belong to my grandmother.

It's supposed to bring good fortune.

We've sold them off over the years, but I kept this pair.

- I'll take it. - For how much?

- 2,500 lira. - Are you nuts?

He's ripping you off. Don't sell.

Do you have money for bus tickets?

No.

You should be ashamed of yourself!

I would get three times as much in Batumi.

Asshole!

Be quiet, boy.

It seems he's a gold expert too.

Thank you.

Ah, Churchkhela.

What?

What? You just gotta avoid the part that's been eaten.

Want some?

You kidding me? You brought chacha?

What about "No drinking"?

It's so hot.

Maybe it's menopause.

What? My grandma had that.

Let's be very clear about something.

I'm not here to take care of you.

Do you understand?

It was just food poisoning or something. It's passed now.

I don't need anyone taking care of me.

Georgian women have lost all their dignity.

There was a time when our women were refined.

Ms. Lia.

Ms. Lia, wake up!

Look outside, we're here.

Look.

Our bag.

Wait... Go talk to that girl you were ogling on the bus.

Go on, show her the address.

Excuse me.

Do you know how to get here fast and cheap?

I don't know, I'm just here for work.

- Why don't you search for it? - I don't have internet here.

Follow this road down. And from there, take a ferry.

- Okay, thanks. - No problem.

Girl!

How are you?

Look at you, all dolled up!

Mustafa's taking me out tonight.

In public?

Of course in public, where else?

Wow! You finally lured him out!

You have no grounds to evict.

Especially not without a prior warning.

My hands are tied.

Why are they tied?

Is she supposed to be a lawyer?

This is Evrim, a lawyer. What, she can't be a lawyer?

She volunteers with me at Pink Life.

A lawyer? Really?

Ladies, this has nothing to do with you.

Evrim! You know how to use a needle, right?

Come upstairs for two minutes and help me out.

She doesn't like needles.

Just turn around.

Don't worry, my mom's a nurse.

I have a steady hand. You won't feel a thing.

She takes dick all day and she's afraid of a tiny needle.

Girl, you get your diploma or what?

Yes, it's all sorted!

Now I'm getting a female ID.

Lawyer Evrim!

Our savior from the police and the johns.

You're absolutely right. I'll save you all, rest assured.

The doctor will see you shortly.

Fill these out while you wait.

- Do you have a pen? - Here.

- You're up next. - Coming.

Where do you work now?

I work at Pink Life, an NGO.

- And they can afford to pay you? - Well, a little.

So you're not doing any sex work then?

No.

Have you ever?

No, doctor, I haven't.

You need to take these and pay the gynecologist for a medical exam.

Alright.

Then get these signed by every department in the hospital.

Okay.

They are required to authorize female status.

Okay.

And here are the documents to apply for a female ID.

Thank you. So this is everything, right?

By the way, doctor, your hair looks really nice like that.

They told me I need signatures from every department.

Do they cost as much?

I don't know about the other departments.

Here.

Thanks.

Sir? I can show you the way!

No!

Sir!

For 5 lira.

- For 5 lira. - No.

- Show him the address. - He's trying to fool us.

- I said, show him. - I bet he can't even read.

There, told you so!

I know!

We have very nice, cheap rooms!

Cheap rooms! Cheap rooms!

- Hi, Izzet. - Hi.

Hi, Izzet.

Hi.

They say her name's Tekla, Miss Gülşen.

Tekla? What kind of name is that?

- Is she trans? - I think so.

She lives on this street?

I'd have known if she were here.

How old is she?

How old is Tekla?

28.

He says 28.

Aynur!

- Girl, Aynur! - What is it, already?

Calm down, love.

These people are looking for someone.

Apparently a trans girl. Her name's Tekla.

A foreign girl. Got any foreign girls in your building?

No foreign girls here, you know that.

You heard her, child.

No.

- Sir, another 5 lira, please. - No!

I'm very hungry, another 5 lira, please.

I'm so fucking fed up. No, leave!

Where'd you go?

Is this really the address she gave you?

Yes.

This is the life she chose?

I hardly think it was a choice.

So, what now?

I will rest

and clean up for the night.

Shower, sleep.

First thing tomorrow, I'll go door to door.

Someone's bound to know something. That's what I'm doing.

Shall I come with you?

Aren't you coming?

Yes. Yes, I am.

- What is she saying? - Nothing, forget about it.

There's no bathroom.

There's the shower and the toilet.

Oh, shit.

The door doesn't lock.

You'll stand here

and keep guard until I finish.

Won't people just hear the shower and know it's busy?

This place is probably full of perverts.

- Are you done? - I am.

What are you looking at?

Don't you know a chacha a day keeps the doctor away?

I'm pretty sure that's an apple a day.

It disinfects the body.

Do you want some?

- Ms. Lia... - Yes.

- Can I ask you something? - No.

What's your plan after you find Tekla?

My plan? What do you mean?

Yeah, like for your future?

I have no future and thus no plans.

I'm just here until I'm not.

Turn off the lights, it's time to sleep.

Ms. Lia?

When was the last time you saw Tekla?

What is this, question and answer time?

I told you to sleep.

Sorry.

It was many years ago...

Right before her father ran her off for good.

Why, because she was trans?

Yes, what else?

It was a great shame...

for our family.

Can you imagine everyone's reaction in the village?

I can't even...

She was so smart, curious...

Used to ask me questions about everything.

She could've really become something.

We didn't know about these kinds of things back then.

Of course I'd heard stories but...

There was a boy in the next village who was shot dead.

The boy's father claimed

he was cleaning his rifle when it accidentally went off.

So...

What will you tell her if you find her?

I...

don't know.

Go to sleep now.

Sorry. Good night.

Fuck this!

May I take your order?

I'm waiting for my friend. Just another five minutes, please.

- Of course. - Thank you.

Son of a bitch.

Fucking bastard.

Need a ride?

No.

- I'll drop you off. - I'm not a prostitute.

I'm not saying you are.

I'm trans.

Did I ask?

I'll smoke one too.

So you're into picking up trans girls?

No.

So?

Where do I drop you off?

Me?

So you're actually a driver?

Yes.

But you need to sit up front.

Or we'll get in trouble if the police stop us.

Come.

If they stop us, we're friends from school,

on our way to a friend's birthday, Okay?

Why don't you just drive a regular taxi instead?

Just getting the license is super expensive.

Plus, the market for pirate taxis has exploded since the inflation.

What school?

What?

If we're classmates, what are we studying? And where?

I don't know.

Economy?

Istanbul University?

I love this song. Can you turn it up?

Everything keeps

Reminding me of you

Come back, come back

I beg you, come back to me...

Don't you want to know my name?

Just saying, if the police stop us they will know we're not really friends.

You're right.

I'm Ömer.

- How old are you? - 25.

Nice to meet you. I'm Evrim.

I'm 33.

My star sign is Gemini.

We don't need to know that much.

Come on!

Fine.

Mine is Sagittarius.

Born in December.

We're opposite sides of the zodiac.

It's the ultimate combo, you know?

In both friendship and love.

From the hostel!

- He's staying at the hostel. - Hello.

My name is Achi, how are you?

My name is Özge. Do you speak Turkish?

No.

Neighbor!

- Georgia. - Yes.

Oh, neighboring country.

Come on, let's go to the party.

Yes, the party!

Let me take this off your hands.

- Don't pretend to be all shy now. - Come on, let's go.

Girl!

You came!

- Who's he? - He's nobody. Never mind.

Did Mustafa show up?

Yes, he did.

- Did he really? - I swear on my mother's grave.

Like you give a shit about your mother.

I didn't order this.

What else would you like?

Pistachio.

He's saying pistachio.

- Walnut baklava. - Walnut baklava.

How much do we owe?

You can pay later.

Hello.

Hello.

Good morning.

You take care of the peppers, I'll do the rest...

Hello.

Gülşen!

- It's that woman again. - What woman?

She's not going to give up it seems.

Do you remember me?

Well don't just stand there, come on inside.

Don't just stand there, go on.

Come in.

Dear lord.

Take a seat, please.

Eggplant.

- What? - Eggplant.

Oh, eggplant.

It's almost the same.

Let her try some Turkish tea.

Smuggled tea, actually.

Do you know Tekla?

What's she saying?

Tekla, Tekla?

What's this Tekla, Mekla she's saying?

She's looking for her grandchild or something.

Lady, there's no such girl here, unfortunately.

You're looking in vain.

Do you speak Russian?

Girl, I think the lady is Russian.

No, I don't know Russian. I know a bit of Arabic.

- Batumi. - Batum?

Georgian?

- Oh, the lady is Georgian. - Yes, Georgian.

My grandfather was also Georgian. He had the worst temper.

There's no such person living here.

She's not taking it in.

I'm telling you, she's Georgian. My grandfather was the same.

Isn't she sweet though?

She's come all the way from Georgia to search for her.

What if our families had looked for us?

Are you crazy? God forbid. Bite your tongue.

- Aynur? - What?

- Sing a song for us. - Girl, stop it.

Let the poor woman hear your singing.

Come on, now. Just belt one out!

I care nothing for the rose That grows in the smoldering fire

I know nothing of Arabic or Persian I don't rely on speech

I follow the rightful path Of the gracious God

I don't care for the path Preached by the Devil

I don't care for the path Preached by the Devil

I have the strangest disease Everyone only cares about themselves

I eat what I find today And God will help me tomorrow

I don't covet The riches of this world

God is the one who sustains me I don't bow down to mortals

God is the one who sustains me I don't bow down to mortals

Where were you? I've been waiting here all day.

I'm sorry for last night.

I went out for a walk last night, thought I'd ask around for a job.

Then I met some people from the hostel and lost track of time.

I have good news! I met a girl who works for an organization.

She said she might be able to help us.

- And I brought you something sweet. - Thank you.

I've been waiting here all day to take you to that girl's office,

but you never came...

I think they're closed now.

Leave her address at the reception. I'll go see the girl myself tomorrow.

I really just needed to get out.

I'll do all I can to find Tekla.

On my honor!

Your brother was right about you.

Pack your things and leave.

I don't have any things.

Well then.

Go fuck yourself!

You old fucking drunk!

Unbelievable...

What?

You hungry?

I'm starving.

Come on, then.

Have a seat. Would you like to see the menu?

Hello, welcome. Would you like to see the menu?

If we only get rice and potatoes, it won't be too expensive.

Hello, would you like to see the menu?

Boy, I love the smell of cucumber.

May I?

Why are you even asking?

Thank you.

Pardon me?

Are you Georgian?

Yes.

Are you here on vacation?

Yes.

I live here, running a business.

This is Hasan.

He's a local Georgian, third generation from the Black Sea.

What's this? Is that all you're having?

Let me be your host.

No, that won't be necessary. Thank you.

What are you drinking?

We really are good. Thank you.

Have you ever tried raki?

No, but thank you.

Garçon!

Smell how good this smells.

Cheers.

I reckon it's your first time here?

No, I was actually here as a child once.

- Really? - Yes. My father brought me here.

It was that trip that inspired me

to become a history teacher.

You teach history?

I used to, I'm retired now.

I'm so sorry, I need to leave.

- Lovely meeting you. - Likewise.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Is he your son?

No...

He's a friend of my niece.

Cheers.

To you, Ramaz! Our Georgian brother in Istanbul!

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- He seems like a good boy. - He is.

I combined the checks for both tables.

- Shouldn't we get going? - Be polite.

That's fine.

Oh no, Mr. Ramaz, please don't...

No worries, it's on me.

It's really too much.

How often do I meet Georgians such as yourself?

Do you have your own family?

Only my niece.

What about...

you?

I used to.

We separated ten years ago.

That's a pity.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

A rose for the lady?

It would really suit you.

Sir, I gave the lady a rose.

Please excuse me.

I'll be right back.

Are you kidding me?

What are you on about?

I know what I'm doing.

Sure you do.

Achi.

Lia told me you're looking for her niece.

Perhaps I could be of help?

We could inquire at the local Georgian church.

Yes, I'm sure they'll be super helpful...

- Where is he? - How should I know?

You scared him off?

What did you tell him?

Nothing. I just saw him leave.

Tell me what you told him!

What would I have told him?

You shouldn't have let him go.

- What was I supposed to do? - He was going to help us!

What should I have done? Tie him down? You scared him off!

Are you Okay?

I'm so sorry.

I didn't mean for this to happen.

Do you know what a knockout I was as a young girl?

Men threw themselves at me.

You're not so bad nowadays either.

- You think? - Sure.

I was the best dancer in the village, too.

Here.

Does it work?

- Should I cut my hair? - Yes.

Alright now, thank you.

Come on kids, enough now.

Move along, now.

So I don't know what to do...

Come over to my place and I'll help you solve it.

Don't look now. I said don't look now!

It's the driver I mentioned.

Oh my god, he's coming over!

Bitch, relax, maybe he's coming over for me.

Plus he's barely a taxi driver.

Hi.

Hey.

I wanted to give you my card.

In case you need a ride.

Oh, that's nice of you. Thanks.

- Are you on night shift? - My shift is almost over.

I need to sleep, I've got an exam tomorrow.

Exam? Are you a student for real?

Yes. I'm going to be a teacher.

My parents are teachers too.

That's awesome.

What kind of teacher?

- Geography. - That's nice. I like geography.

Alright then. I'll see you around?

See you.

He's got a fine ass too.

Bitch, he eye-fucked you.

No, come on! He's just looking for customers.

Yeah, right.

You're not picking up my calls.

Go fuck yourself.

Baby, I'm here now, aren't I?

Take me to breakfast tomorrow?

Of course, baby.

What?

What do you want me to do?

Now?

I just went to bed. Wait one second.

Did you call Şevval?

What about Ahmet?

Alright, I'll go. Hang up.

Son of a bitch.

Long time no see!

We missed you.

What's wrong? Wanna get locked up again?

I'm here as a representative.

A representative?

You're keeping somebody here under false pretenses.

Is this some kind of joke?

You're supposed to be a lawyer now?

- I have a degree. - A degree?

She's got a degree, she says.

So where did you graduate from? The circus?

Istanbul University.

Istanbul University?

I bet you did...

Go ahead then. Show us your ID.

I don't have it just yet.

I'm just waiting to get in front of a judge.

It'll be any day now.

- So you're not a lawyer then, are you? - Listen...

- Get over here. - Here's your order.

Why is this cold again?

I'm a volunteer for Pink Life.

Somebody's here under false pretenses.

Under false pretenses?

Who's this somebody we're keeping here?

Izzet Yilmaz.

Izzet Yilmaz?

And what business is he to you?

I know his mother, Firuze.

Tell her to come pick up her kid.

His mother's out of town.

Meanwhile, he's in my care.

On what grounds are you detaining him?

He tried to steal from a tourist.

- Did you catch him in the act? - No...

Did he have any money on him?

How would I know?

Well then, you can't actually detain him.

We're not detaining him. He's going to the orphanage.

Not as long as his mother is around to take care of him.

If you want, I can call his mother.

Besides, he'll just walk straight out of the orphanage.

Fine. Go sit and wait.

So much for a peaceful lunch!

- You didn't sign anything, right? - No.

Can I have one?

Don't be silly.

Who's this?

Gülpembe, I'm watching her while her brother's gone.

Where's her brother?

In Malatya.

Go on, wake her up.

Gülpembe, wake up.

Come on, wake up.

Get up.

Come on now, hurry up.

Take her hand.

Where'd you get that saz?

I borrowed it from a friend.

Sure you did.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

You thought I was dead?

No.

Your breath smells like shit. It brought me back to life.

I want to tell you something.

What ever happened to your mother, by the way?

What do you mean?

You told me your mother lives here.

I did?

Don't you remember? Back in Batumi.

Oh, yeah.

She came here for work when I was a kid.

But after a while she sort of disappeared.

But...

I think...

She died and they didn't want to tell me.

She never would've just left me.

Of course not.

I think so too.

Especially not with my fat half-brother.

You know what?

It seems Istanbul is a place

where people come

to disappear.

What did you do to your hair?

I found a hair clipper, had to check if it worked.

Idiot.

Why aren't you in school?

When's your mother coming back?

Don't know.

How long has it been this time?

Not too long.

So, you're a pickpocket now?

No, I'm not!

If they catch you again and your mom's not around, I can't help.

She'll be back soon.

Come here. You'll catch a cold.

Sit straight.

I must've eaten something bad last night.

Sure, that's what it is.

Is this place far?

We have to cross to the other side.

I'm gonna look so cool! Thanks, Evrim.

Did you pick out your hairstyle?

Girl, who are you flirting with?

You're disgracing the salon! You little floozy!

I know them!

He and his grandma are looking for a trans girl!

- I hope you're not scamming these people. - No.

I just showed them the way.

I'm like a guide.

Alright then.

Izzet, go get us some tea.

Is she trans too?

How should I know?

She says she's trans.

She could be anywhere.

And how do we know if she even wants to be found?

Evrim, do we know who they actually are to the girl?

What are they saying?

- What? - One second.

What do you think?

On the other hand,

she has the right to know someone's looking for her.

If she's even in Istanbul.

Attention, friends!

Does anyone know of a Georgian girl who goes by the name of Tekla?

I might've heard her name.

Where?

You know the girls living in Ceylan's apartment?

Yes, I was there the other day.

Are you sure?

Not one hundred percent,

but it sounds familiar.

Alright, thank you.

Do they know her?

I dunno, I don't speak Turkish that well.

She says they're not sure.

But she can take us there.

Ask her if it's hard to walk in such high heels.

I can't ask her that.

Ask her.

- What did she say? - That they're comfortable.

I could never.

Ah, Turkey's hottest lawyer!

Welcome, love.

Hello.

Who are they?

They're looking for a girl named Tekla.

I'll take you to Mother then.

May I offer you some tea?

Apologies for disturbing you like this.

Not at all.

You've been very helpful with those nasty tenants.

We brought you sweets.

Thank you.

Girls!

Serve our guests some tea!

And keep it down in there!

Not a noise!

Yes, Mother, right away.

We're actually here to ask about a Georgian girl.

Tekla is her name.

Oh, darling...

Many Georgian girls have come through here.

All of them stuck-up, noses in the air.

I was told she might be living here.

No.

What are they saying?

Do you have any idea where she might be?

All my girls have tried to find her.

Her phone's turned off. It's like she disappeared into thin air.

Careful.

You know how it is with these girls and drugs.

They go down that road, there's no return.

Strictly forbidden in my house...

If you ask me, she probably left Turkey.

Is this her family?

This is her aunt

and that's her friend.

She left a few of her belongings.

They can take them if they like.

Thank you very much.

Of course.

- I want to tell you something. - What is it?

I never actually had her address.

I googled "Trans women in Istanbul" and showed it to you.

I knew it all along.

- Hey, Murat. - Hello.

Is there a wedding tonight?

Yes, but I can seat you in the back.

- Maybe I'll see you dance a little too. - Alright, thanks.

Go on.

You hungry?

Always.

Wanna get breakfast?

Why not?

Let's go then.

Will you go back to Batumi with me?

I'll stay here.

They said there could be work for me at the hostel.

Auntie?

Auntie!

Tekla?

You look just like your mother.

Is it really you?

How do you like my garden?

I did everything the way you taught me.

I have a few tomatoes. Some tiny cucumbers.

How's our garden doing?

I didn't have time to tend it.

That's a pity.

Who lives here with you?

It's my boyfriend's apartment.

He owns the hair salon downstairs.

Do you remember how I used to cut everyone's hair?

You need to cut and dye your hair.

Go on, what would you tell her?

I would tell her...

that we failed her.

Her mother and I.

We did nothing for her.

We lost so much time.

We only cared about what people would say about us.

That's what I would tell her.

I would tell her...

that her mother loved her very much.

In spite of everything.

I would tell her...

that I love her a lot too.

I will stay here.

And keep searching until I find you.

I know you will.

Attention passengers. This ferry is heading back to

Eminönü and Karaköy.