In Karabük, the first industrial city of Turkey, Yenişehir Cinema was more than just a movie theater — it was a cultural landmark. Hosting operas, ballets, theatrical performances, and even world-renowned artists, the venue served as a vital hub for the city’s cultural life for decades. Now abandoned and silent, the building stands as a fading memory of a vibrant past. But this documentary doesn’t merely mourn what’s lost — it also follows the dreams and efforts of those who hope to bring the cinema back to life. Once Upon a Time at Yenişehir Cinema blends archival footage, personal recollections, and haunting present-day imagery to tell a story of change, memory, and revival. Can reviving a forgotten space awaken a city’s soul? This film seeks the answer.
Director – Süleyman Yıldız
Süleyman Yıldız was born and raised on July 5, 2000, in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. His passion for music, philosophy, and literature, which began in high school, led him to pursue a degree in Cinema and Television. Currently a senior at Türker İnanoğlu Faculty of Communication, he aims to achieve success by participating in screenplay and film competitions. Alongside creating original film scores for his projects, he aspires to direct his own scripts and establish his place in Turkish cinema.