"ZERO POINT-Documentary Film”/ We Need Your Solidarity to Complete This Doc

As the Cologne Human Rights Association, we support the film Zero Point, which tells the reality of migration through the escape and refugee story of a Kurdish director.
ABOUT THE FILM
In "Zero Point," our goal is to explore and depict the complex nature of being a migrant, refugee, or foreigner. We will delve into the director's journey, focusing on how his body and voice are transformed into a visual narrative through the camera. This journey extends beyond merely crossing the border from one country to another, connecting through multiple 'zero points.'
We have structured "Zero Point" in seven layers. The first layer starts in Istanbul and concludes with Kutbettin's detention in Greece. The subsequent six layers will cover significant historical milestones on European soil, including the population exchange, communal living in Prosfygika, family reunification, foreignness, and further migration to another country.

WHO ARE WE?
Kutbettin Cebe: Director-Cinematographer, born in Mardin in 1988. A journalism graduate from Ankara University, he has made numerous short films, videos, and documentaries. His film Roza, the Country of Two Rivers about the Rojava Revolution led to legal issues and a prison sentence. He illegally crossed into Greece in 2021 and now resides in Germany.

Uğur Yeşiltepe: Scriptwriter and Executive Producer, born in Mazgirt, Dersim in 1983. He graduated from Ankara University's Faculty of Law and practiced human rights law. He was detained and sentenced while practicing law. In 2020, he fled to Greece via the Maritsa and now lives in Germany.

Thomas Balkenhol: Editor, born in Hadamar, Germany in 1950. A Munich School of Film and Television graduate, he has edited numerous films, including collaborations with Werner Herzog and Yeşim Ustaoğlu. He won the "Best Editing" award at the Ankara International Film Festival for Sonbahar (2009).

Ayşe Çetinbaş: Producer, born in Germany in 1979. A graduate of Istanbul University Faculty of Economics, she has worked on international documentary projects and co-founded Surela Film with Çayan Demirel, focusing on Kurdish and LGBTI+ issues.

Adil Demirci: Co-Producer, born in Istanbul in 1985, residing in Germany since 1992. He founded the association “A Stimmen der Solidarität-Mahnwache Köln e.V.” and authored Hücre B-18. Also produced Breaking the Walls and Prison or Exile.

Melike Ölker: Production Coordinator, a student of American Culture and Literature at Istanbul University. She has worked with Deli Kadın magazine and on Documentarist Istanbul Documentary Days and Which Human Rights? Festival. She coordinates production at Surela Film.
Current Status and Financial Matters:
We have completed filming and the rough cut, but we need approximately €35,000 for final editing and post-production. Although we plan to apply for film funds, we expect to face some challenges. Kutbettin has crossed the Maritsa, and "Zero Point" will also cross borders to bring this story to life. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us so far.  With Solidarity!