The recently concluded 76th Berlin International Film Festival awarded the prestigious Golden Bear to 'Yellow Letters', a film portraying the political repression faced by an artist couple due to their dissent against the Turkish government. Celebrated filmmaker Wim Wenders, serving as the jury president, lauded the film for its clear language about authoritarianism, suggesting it reflects a reality that could unfold in other countries, including their own. The film captures the duo's drastic change in circumstances after the husband’s encouragement for students to participate in demonstrations leads to their professional downfall, culminating in their struggle for survival and the deterioration of their familial bonds.

The Jury Prize was awarded to 'Salvation', another film set in Turkey that depicts life in a mountainous community plagued by the threat of terrorism. In a gripping narrative, the film portrays a man's desperate plans to eliminate another nearby community, driven by fear, hatred, and the unstable political environment that transforms victims into perpetrators. Director Emin Alper expressed in his acceptance speech a desire to understand the mental states of both victims and aggressors, connecting with audiences and expressing solidarity with the oppressed in Gaza and among Kurdish people facing persecution in the Middle East.

Both films have sparked discussions regarding solidarity with Palestine. While their artistic merit and the timing of the awards have been acknowledged, critics argue that failing to directly address the Palestinian plight in their themes results in a missed opportunity for broader political commentary. In recognition of the current geopolitical context, these films have been interpreted as responses not only to internal Turkish politics but also to international discourses surrounding oppression and human suffering in conflict zones.