when we leave

Fleeing her oppressive marriage in Istanbul, German-born Umay returns to Berlin with her young son. But here their unexpected arrival creates conflict among her divided family many of whom observe the strictest conventions. In order to keep custody of her son Umay is forced to move again prompting a series of decisions with life altering consequences.

With a galvanising lead performance by Kekili at its core, When We Leave dramatises the series of ill-fated attempts a self-determined woman makes while caught between the expectations of her traditional culture and the emotional wounds it inflicts upon her family as she strives to break free of it.