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Hi Mom, It's Me, Lou Lou

Merhaba Anne, Benim, Lou Lou

Atakan Yılmaz · Türkiye · 2024 · 21'

Poster for Hi Mom, It's Me, Lou Lou

After the sudden death of his mother, Hakkı, a drag queen performer in Istanbul, returns to his hometown — a place he has kept at a distance for years. While coping with his grief, he must also confront the traditional expectations placed on him as the only son.

Hakkı, a university student earning his keep through drag queen performances in Istanbul, is jolted by the news of his mother's passing one night. Concealing his sexual orientation from everyone except his mother, he returns to the family home after years, confronting the weighty expectations of being the only male offspring. Despite grappling with sadness over his mother's death and his father's aloofness, this journey catalyzes his path toward self-acceptance.

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Director — Atakan Yılmaz

Atakan Yılmaz

Born in 1996 in İzmir, Atakan Yılmaz is a filmmaker with a background in theatre and political science. Active since 2010, he has worked in acting, directing, screenwriting and production. A graduate of Istanbul University and Kadir Has University, he co-founded Chronotope Film in 2024 and directs commercials and music videos alongside his film work.

Awards & Festivals

  • 47th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival
  • 39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
  • 41st Wicked Queer Boston — Best in Show Audience Award
  • 44th International Istanbul Film Festival
  • 31st International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival
  • 29th Turkey/Germany Film Festival — 2nd Prize Short Film
  • 11th International Uşak Short Film Festival — Best Production Design
  • 4th Luma Short Film Festival — Special Jury Award
  • 18th Mediterranean Film Festival Split — Special Mention
  • 31st Chéries-Chéris Paris — Prix du Jury
  • 18th this human world, Vienna — Best Short Film
  • 4th Kaş International Film Festival — National Best Film