KATIA:
April 23 (or 23 Nisan in Turkish) is International Children's Day. First of all, 23 Nisan is Turkey 's independence day. A very famous man named Ataturk loved children and thought of them as the world's future. So he made 23 Nisan a day for them. During this day in Ankara , children gather from all over Turkey and perform dances and such for an audience. The children are so beautiful. We really enjoyed this. The children, afterwards, left out the way we came in. We were able to see them and meet some of them and, most importantly, made friends. The dances were beautiful. Some of the dances were modern, some traditional. In another part of Ankara , kids take over the government for the day. We, unfortunately, didn't get to see that.... But the part we saw of International Children's Day was very, very beautiful and all the children did a great job. If you ever get a chance to, please visit Ankara , Turkey.
MAX ZUG:
Trip of LifetimeThe most amazing thing about our adventure to Turkey is just how deep our group traveled inside the Turkish culture. This was no tourist trip. Yes, we visited some tourist sites like Blue Mosque, Ephesus, and the Grand Bazaar, but even when we visited these destinations our access enabled our group to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes and meet people who not only could tell us about the sites, but would provide us insight into how the location impacted Turkish history and permeated the culture and mindset.
Most of the trip was filled with stops to places the normal tourist would never have the opportunity to experience. We visited schools and met with students and educators, we toured a hospital and enjoyed lunch with the medical director. We experienced a backstage glimpse of one of the largest network television companies in the region -- even getting to pose for pictures on the news desk. The itinerary that Red Rose Foundation set-up offered us a chance to not only experience everyday life, but to really get to know some wonderful people.
There were so many memorable moments during our 12 days, but just a few that really standout --
I had the good fortune of imaging the events of International Children's Day from the field and just to the side of the Minister of Education's reviewing stand. Now the pageantry and celebration was special in its own right, but from my perspective -- an American media-type -- being able to get a first hand look at how the production came together, to see Turkish producers, camera people and on-air talent at work was real highlight. I've imaged film and video in many parts of the world, but I can't say I've ever had the chance to see how the locals do it. And I left that event with the full understanding that the language of television production is universal. The professionals who made up the Turkish media on this day were the same as my colleges here in the states -- experienced, energetic and very, very good. Of course having to negotiate camera positions and such without speaking the language made it challenging, but my Turkish guides made it easy. They put me right where I needed to be and ran interference when I needed it. Thank you Oscar and Bilal. You made this day truly wonderful.
We had the magic permit with us that gave us access to just about every site to film. With my years in the film and video industry, I knew we needed a permit to traverse the countryside taking pictures with a broadcast video camera and 16mm film package. Feridun, at the Red Rose Foundation, expedited the entire process and armed us with a nearly bulletproof document. It was fun for me to see our local guides, mostly Bilal, answer the protests from the local authorities by pulling out the document. In nearly every instance, we were not only allowed access, but were given royal treatment. I understand the need for local authorities to question some guy like me coming to their front gate with a big 'ole broadcast camera -- it happens everywhere, but I was most impressed at how accommodating they became once they realized our documents were in order. The only places where the permit had little clout were the establishments controlled by the military, and that, too, is entirely understandable. One of my most memorable days was our visit to Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's house. Now most of my group probably thought I would count this day as a lowlight. I sat patiently for nearly an hour while Bilal argued with the military officials. I urged Bilal not to press the issue. There was simply no need to image everything. But he thought it important that this Christian be allowed to return home with images of this holy and special place. Just as our group ended their tour, Bilal returned with a big smile on his face -- as he always did -- and said, "You are free to shoot whatever you'd like." I took the opportunity to slowly walk the long lane to the house by myself. The energy at this site is moving. I could feel that I was someplace special. Even with the presence of the Turkish military, the hoards of tourists from all over the world, and the rather large camera dangling from my shoulder, I felt a peace and calm surround me. I felt at home and very much connected to my own higher power. I shot very few images here -- none inside the house. It was just one of those times that I wanted to experience the moment firsthand rather than from behind my lens. It counts as one of the more memorable moments in my career and life.
We ate dinner nearly everyday with a host family, and sometimes lunch. These host families, we learned, were actually the sponsors of our trip - the folks who gave their own money so that we may experience their country and their culture. We joked that it was like feasting on Thanksgiving dinner every day. We all gained weight. Well, I took the time that we shared with these families to learn why these people would spend their money to bring us to Turkey. With Olcay acting as translator we learned that this hospitality -- the sharing and giving -- is core to the Muslim culture. It was a very natural thing for them to do. We also learned that Muslims in Turkey want the rest of the world to understand that Islam is not the toppling of the twin towers or the suicide bombings in a crowded market. The followers of Mohammad are peaceful and loving people. Their spirit is very distant from the stereotypes we see on the nightly news here in America. And our hosts continued to demonstrate this night after night. One evening after dinner, after a particularly long 16-hour day, I sat down with a group of Turkish businessmen/sponsors for some baklava and tea. The conversation began as it always did. I thanked them for their kindness and learned more about their beliefs. But by the time the conversation ended, nearly 2 hours later, we sat across from one another not as Turkish businessmen and a American visitor, not as Muslims or Christian, but as friends -- friends who all shared the understanding that we are the same. We have more in common then indifferent. We all spoke of peace and tolerance and love. We all understood-- we are one -- and a part of something very much larger than just ourselves. Was it not for the rest of our tired members signaling it was time to go; we could have and probably would have talked till dawn. Just another one of those special moments. There were so many.
The flower reception in Izmir
Tea, tea, and more tea
The price negotiations with the Turkish rug dealer
The beautiful and cheerful little boy who suffered an affliction that made his face cringe uncontrollably at Lemanana Lamb
Pistachio baklava
Food in general
Then lobby at the "A" hotel
Those crazy new friends Katia and Thaniel
Christina's never ending supply of gum
The sheer mass of the columns at Ephesus
Ronnie's hula hips!
The light at St. John's Basilica
The girls sneaking out (oops!)
Timm's persistence
Umit's non-stop thirst for song and dance
The bus packed with bags and people
The second bus packed with bags
Oscar's Turkish cigarettes
Osman's love for cinema
The list could go on forever.
Probably the most surprising part of the journey for me was just how important the interaction with the members of our own group would become. Before this trip barely any of us knew the other. Four groups of strangers set out on this adventure, one large group of friends returned. We'll share this experience together forever. And I'm hopeful we will all meet again someday on yet another adventure.
And I can't write a reflection of this trip without mentioning our guides back at Red Rose and on the ground in Turkey. The trip was even more special because of Feridun, Bilal and Olcay. How Olcay kept up with all the translation, I don't know. Well actually a few times she didn't and we laughed so hard we nearly doubled over in pain. Bilal and that magic permit. He needs to join a Turkish debate team. He won every argument he entered. Plus, he gave me a whole new appreciation for Nescafe. And Feridun, the quiet force behind it all. He was the anchor for the journey. These remarkable people expedited my permit, helped carry my gear, tracked me down when I got side-tracked, kept after me to write this reflection, and waited patiently during water in -- water out (long story). But that's not what I'll remember about their participation. I'll remember the kindness in their eyes, the warmth in their touch and the love in their hearts. My belief is that we were all meant to come together on this trip. And I know we'll all put the experience to good use.
Finally, I've read and heard a few times about my participation in the shooting of this documentary as done "for free." I said it a few times myself. Well it's clear that categorization is completely wrong. I received so much more than monetary remuneration for my services. Fact is, I wouldn't trade the experience for any amount of money. The work begins on writing and editing the documentary in the coming months. And unlike any other project that we work on here at MaxFilms, the bill is already paid in full.
Tesekkur ederim!
MAX ZUG,
