Aksel is a Fish in the Aquarium

This is a very personal film for me as a young Turkish filmmaker from a generation frustrated with our country’s intense political climate and lack of opportunities. Many of us feel trapped, longing to escape and discover ourselves elsewhere. Aksel’s obsession with Norway reflects this restless urge to fill the emptiness with a dream of belonging somewhere better. Through Aksel’s delusional journey, I explore the absurdity and heartbreak of cultural obsession and idealization. This film is about a generation stuck between the reality we have and the fantasy we chase, questioning what it really means to seek a different life. I wanted to capture the deep sense of alienation that arises when external circumstances make it feel like you can’t truly shape your future. Aksel's relentless pursuit of Norway serves as a metaphor for how many of us pin our hopes on distant places, thinking they hold the key to our happiness. The film also delves into the emotional cost of pursuing such dreams, often at the expense of personal relationships and self-acceptance. Ultimately, this story is not just about Aksel’s dream but about the collective experience of feeling adrift in a world where opportunity feels out of reach. I hope you enjoy our short and maybe even find a little bit of yourself in it. Enjoy!