Die Legende vom hässlichen König

They called him the "Ugly King"—a myth, a hero, a cinematic legend. But who was Yılmaz Güney? Certainly a highly talented director—but was he also a revolutionary, or a murderer? A genius, or a madman? Director Hüseyin Tabak sets out in search of answers. The pinnacle of Güney’s career was undoubtedly winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1982; *Yol* remains his most famous film to this day. Hüseyin Tabak’s investigation begins with a book about this Kurdish filmmaker from Turkey. He soon uncovers cracks and pivotal turning points in Güney’s life story: for instance, Güney was sentenced to over 100 years in prison—officially for the murder of a judge, though the political motivations are clear. In a feat that is legendary and arguably unique in the history of cinema, Güney continued to make films even while incarcerated. Tabak explores, among other things, how this was possible. He meets with Güney’s family, his actors, and former fellow prisoners—people now scattered across the globe. He also speaks with renowned filmmakers such as Michael Haneke and Costa-Gavras, and interviews ordinary people on the street who still regard Güney as a hero. The deeper Hüseyin digs into the story of the legendary "Ugly King," the more human and vulnerable the man appears.