By Ayşe Toprak and Nick Read

My Name is Happy

The film tells the inspirational story of a Kurdish teenager, Mutlu Kaya, from a remote community in Southeast Türkiye. Aged 19, stardom beckoned when she reached the finals of Türkiye’s Got Talent. Days later she was shot by a man trying to abduct her. Mutlu survived, but with life-changing injuries and a bullet in her brain. 5 years later, still recovering, the reality of escalating attacks on Turkish women intrudes: her carer & sister Dilek is killed by her boyfriend, and a neighbour is murdered by her fiancé. Despite her life-changing injuries, Mutlu relentlessly pursues justice for her sister, supported by her ever-present family. She depends on them to eat, to walk, to wash. To articulate her powerful sense of injustice, Mutlu turns to TikTok and her 1.8 million followers, and asserts her independence by writing a passionate, personal protest song. The film ends by celebrating Mutlu’s determination, as she finally records again.

Country : Türkiye
Original language : Turkish
Subtopic : Gender-based violence
Directors
Ayşe Toprak (Türkiye)
Nick Read (United Kingdom)
Producers
Nick Read (United Kingdom)
Adam Bullmore (United Kingdom)
Red Zed Films
October Films
Duration
82'
Production status
Completed
Completion
August 2022
Impact Statement
Mutlu is determined to share her story with young women globally, seeking to amplify her voice for change. Together with filmmakers, she aims for a societal transformation in Türkiye, addressing the increasing domestic violence and femicide. The goal is to form a coalition, including influential women, activists, musicians, and social media influencers, to influence government and societal attitudes. Internationally, partnerships with key organizations like the OHCHR & European Women’s Lobby are sought to pressure Turkish institutions for legal and policy reforms regarding women’s treatment. The project also includes a plan to support Mutlu's physical and emotional development as part of her legacy.