Transnational Life: Where'd I Be Happy? A Research on the Films of Immigrant Directors From Turkey Living in Austria

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representation of different cultural notions in Turkish-Austrian Migrant Cinema. This study is based on migrant problem, hybrid identities and national values, taking Austria as a sample. Turkish-Austrian migrant films include multiculturalism, Turkish national values and Turkish national cinema narrative by keeping optimism and hope. The sampling of this study consists of films by Umut Dag and Huseyin Tabak. The films directed by both of these directors focus on traditional values of Turkish culture, the reflection of these values on Austria and cover the features of transnational cinema. The films portray Turkish immigrants going back and forth between Turkish and Austrian cultures in their daily lives. Moreover, the present study discusses the Turkish-Austrian transnational films.