Yasemin

Shown: 7 February 2000
In association with Sprich Mal Deutsch

Germany 1998 (subtitles)
Directed by Hark Bohm
Leading players - Ayse Romey, Uwe Bohm and Sener Sen

Synopsis

Yasemin (Ayse Romey) is a 17-year old Turkish girl who lives with her parents near Hamburg in Germany. While her mother and father accept that Yasemin has her own German friends, they also expect her to honour the traditions of their country of origin.

The arrival of Jan (Uwe Bohm), a German student aged 21, throws this situation into conflict. Jan has entered into a bet with his friends that he can get any girl to go to bed with him. Yasemin becomes the object of his attention, but what begins as a game soon develops into a more serious relationship...

Yasemin is a finely observed portrayal of the difficulties that can arise when two different cultures meet. Director Hark Bohm bases his observations of Turkish life and customs on the diaries of two girls that he met while researching the film. The result is a totally convincing work that is generally accepted as an honest and accurate portrayal of contemporary Germany.

The performances by a largely amateur cast are outstanding, and the film has been a great success in Germany.