Gazelle (film)
| Gazelle | |
|---|---|
Festival release poster | |
| Directed by | Nadir Sarıbacak Samy Pioneer (Selman) |
| Written by | Nadir Sarıbacak Ayhan Hulagu |
| Produced by | Mehmet Tözün Kenan Baysal Ender Zirekoğlu |
| Starring | Nadir Sarıbacak Abraham Taylor Faysal Ahmed Ziad Alezabi Salem Hadeed Emine Bayındır Sare Aydoğan Ayhan Hulagu |
| Cinematography | Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll, DFF |
| Edited by | Samy Pioneer |
| Music by | Ichika Kanagawa |
Production companies | Roaring Cat Films ArtVertora Production |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Languages | English Turkish |
Gazelle is a 2025 American independent drama film directed by Nadir Sarıbacak and Samy Pioneer in their feature directorial debuts. Written by Sarıbacak and Ayhan Hulagu, the film stars Sarıbacak as Yakup, a Turkish music teacher who migrates to New York following political unrest in Turkey and struggles to reunite with his family.
The film premiered at the 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival in the Vanguard section and later screened at the 2025 Chicago International Film Festival.[1][2]
Plot
Yakup, a music teacher from Turkey, relocates to New York after political turmoil forces him into exile. Living alone and undocumented, he attempts to bring his wife Ayşe and daughter Neşe to the United States. When legal options stall, Yakup faces a moral dilemma that places increasing strain on his mental health and family ties.
Cast
- Nadir Sarıbacak as Yakup
- Abraham Taylor as Hakim
- Faysal Ahmed as Ahmed
- Ziad Alezabi as Omar
- Salem Hadeed as Ammi
- Emine Bayındır as Ayşe
- Sare Aydoğan as Neşe
- Ayhan Hulagu as Adem
Production
Gazelle was produced by Roaring Cat Films in association with ArtVertora Production. Cinematography was handled by Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll, DFF, with editing by Samy Pioneer and original score by Ichika Kanagawa.
Release
The film had its world premiere on October 3, 2025, at the Vancouver International Film Festival Vanguard section.[1] Its U.S. premiere followed at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 15, 2025.[2]
The film was later selected for the 2026 edition of Dances With Films: New York, which took place from January 15 to 18, 2026.[3]
Following its screening at Dances With Films: New York, Gazelle won the Industry Choice Award for films over 40 minutes.[4]
In early 2026, the film was selected for the Sedona International Film Festival, which ran from February 21 to March 1, 2026, as part of its 32nd annual lineup.[5]
Reception
Gazelle received generally positive reviews from film critics, with particular praise directed at its lead performance and its restrained depiction of the immigrant experience.
Writing for Film Threat, Chris Gore described the film as “a restrained and empathetic refugee drama.”[6]
In Pancouver, Adrian Mack praised Nadir Sarıbacak’s portrayal of Yakup, calling it “compelling from start to finish.”[7]
Coverage in the Chicago Sun-Times included the film among notable selections at the 2025 Chicago International Film Festival.[8]
Reviewing the film after its Dances With Films: New York screening, The Black C.A.P.E. emphasized its depiction of systemic obstacles faced by immigrants in the United States.[9]
Accolades
Gazelle received the VIFF Vanguard Audience Award at the 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival.[10]
At the 2026 edition of Dances With Films: New York, the film won the Industry Choice Award for films over 40 minutes.[4]
References
- ^ a b "Gazelle". Vancouver International Film Festival. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ a b "Gazelle". Chicago International Film Festival. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Dances With Films New York Lineup Announcement". Deadline. December 15, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
- ^ a b "Dances With Films NY Filmmaker Awards Given Out". Awards Radar. January 27, 2026. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ^ "Sedona International Film Festival Unveils 32nd Annual Film Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. January 27, 2026. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ^ "Gazelle (2025) Review". Film Threat. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
- ^ Mack, Adrian (October 2, 2025). "VIFF 2025: Nadir Sarıbacak's compelling performance carries Gazelle from start to finish". Pancouver. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ "Chicago International Film Festival 2025: 10 movies to see". Chicago Sun-Times. October 14, 2025. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ "DWFNY 2026 Review: "Gazelle" is an Inside Look at the Hardships of Immigrating to the U.S. Today". The Black C.A.P.E. October 21, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ "VIFF 2025 Audience Awards". Vancouver International Film Festival. Retrieved October 19, 2025.