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Selam

Name: Selam
Director: Levent Demirkale
Released: 2013
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

2013

Director

Levent Demirkale

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Selam is a drama that explores global interconnectedness through the experiences of three Turkish educators. Its main strength lies in disrupting Eurocentric humanitarian clichés by focusing on a non-Western perspective across multiple continents. The film effectively portrays cross-cultural engagement and a sense of universal humanism. However, it does not engage with specific identity frameworks such as LGBTQ+ representation or inclusion of characters with disabilities. Additionally, the film’s handling of gender roles is unclear.

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Category Breakdown

Does Selam have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives focusing on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Selam portray gender?

Fair

The story highlights the professional ability to act of teachers but does not clearly address whether it challenges patriarchal structures or upholds traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Selam?

Excellent

The film features Turkish protagonists in various countries, challenging Eurocentric views and promoting a more global perspective.

How does Selam represent religion and culture?

Good

By centering a Turkish viewpoint on humanitarian efforts, the film promotes universalist ethics and cross-cultural understanding over narrow nationalism.

Does Selam include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Highlights strong racial and ethnic diversity through its multi-continental setting.
Challenges Western-centric humanitarian narratives by using a Turkish lens.
Promotes universalist ethics and cross-cultural empathy.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Does not include characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Gender roles are unclear regarding the subversion of patriarchal hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

'Selam' is a Turkish movie that tells the impressive stories of three Turkish teachers who are idealists working at schools opened by Turkish entrepreneurs on three different continents and in three different countries: Afghanistan, Senegal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This story is based on true events that has been in progress for more than 20 years in which a number of young people in love of peace and humanity leave their countries to teach, help and live in countries they have never heard of before. This is the story of people who live for their ideals and other people before themselves, and who leave their families, loves, friends, countries behind. They set on this pet just with the inspiration of the words which said "A couple of eyes are waiting for you here, but thousands of eyes are waiting in faraway lands." They had sacrifice and kindness in their bags, love in their hearts and a smiling Selam (greetings) in their tongues. - Written by Akif Okumus

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