60’’

Director: Koray Kesik
Türkiye, 2024, 60’, DCP, color
Turkish with English subtitles

Antakya is an ancient city that has stood for thousands of years, repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt by earthquakes. Once again, it was devastated by an earthquake on February 6, 2023, which lasted approximately 60 seconds. 

60" begins with images of miles-long traffic jams caused by thousands of vehicles trying to leave the city on the second day of the earthquake. After witnessing the majority trying to flee, we are left with those who had no choice but to remain among the ruins or those who refused to consider leaving as an option. A harsh survival process follows, portraying different lives amidst the destroyed buildings. Each scene reminds us of Antakya's state before the devastation and makes us feel the layers of the city. While the city's people struggle to recover, a relentless debris removal operation, continuing day and night, covers everything in dust. This operation, still affecting those mourning and grieving within Antakya, does not even allow them to breathe. These works are carried out hurriedly, unlawfully, and ruthlessly, disrupting life and nature's balance. The sounds of machinery have become a part of daily life, creating surreal images. Neither humans nor animals, nor the land and water, have a chance to breathe. 

Yet, life goes on. All state institutions have abandoned the people of Antakya. However, they strive under all conditions to create the opportunity to stay in their homeland. During this process, many residents of Antakya, having experienced the disaster, established mutual aid networks through their efforts and tried to heal the initial wounds. The documentary film, composed of 60 seconds and 60 scenes, calls us to witness what has been experienced from the first day until the earthquake's first anniversary.

The crew will attend.