27.08.2025 17:05
In the world of culture and arts, the avalanche of harassment revelations has reached director Selim Evci. Yaprak Civan, who claims to be his assistant, alleged that she was subjected to physical harassment. Institutional actions against Evci, known for films such as "İki Çizgi," "Rüzgarlar," "Saklı," and "Savrulan Zaman," were swift. Akbank Sanat terminated its collaboration, and MUBI removed the director's films from its platform.
In recent days, the culture and arts community has been shaken by a series of harassment revelations on social media. This wave, which started particularly with photographers, quickly spread to many areas of art. Women began to raise their voices with messages stating that they were forced to pose naked, were manipulated, and at times were directly subjected to physical harassment.
REVELATIONS SPREADING: A LIST EXTENDING FROM ACTORS TO ART CRITICS
In the posts made on social media, not only actions but also the names of the perpetrators and message records are being revealed. Although the allegations initially focused on male photographers, over time, the list of revealed individuals has expanded to include actors, art critics, and names from various fields of the industry. The posts continue to spread like a wave.
NEW ALLEGATION: ACCUSATION AGAINST DIRECTOR SELIM EVCİ
One of the names that came to the forefront during this process is director Selim Evci. Evci, who began his cinema career with the 2008 film "İki Çizgi," directed "Rüzgarlar" in 2012, "Saklı" in 2015, and most recently "Savrulan Zaman" in 2024. These films, which were featured in festival selections, increased the director's recognition. However, the harassment allegations raised against him have cast a shadow over his career. A woman named Yaprak Civan claimed that she was physically harassed during her time working as an assistant in Evci's office. Civan became involved in the process by sharing her experiences with the public on social media.
AKBANK ART'S STRONG REACTION: FESTIVAL CANCELLED
Following the allegations, Akbank Art decided to terminate all business relations with Selim Evci. The official statement included the following remarks: "Due to the posts made on social media regarding Selim Evci, the manager of the company from which we receive services within the scope of the Akbank Short Film Festival, it has been decided to terminate our business relationship and cancel the 22nd edition of the festival. Although these posts are still in the nature of allegations, this decision has been implemented in accordance with our institutional values and principles."
Akbank Art emphasized that it will continue its support for culture and arts within the framework of the principle of trust and corporate principles.
FILM REMOVED, WITHDRAWN FROM SCREENING
Following the harassment allegations against director Selim Evci, a step was also taken by the digital streaming platform MUBI. The platform shared its decision regarding Evci's films with the public. In a statement made from MUBI's official social media account, significant changes regarding both current content and future planning were announced. The statement included the following remarks: "As MUBI Turkey, we are closely following the posts made on social media in recent days. In line with these posts, we announce that we have removed Selim Evci's film 'İki Çizgi' from streaming and have withdrawn 'Savrulan Zaman,' which we planned to screen in September, from the program. We hear women's voices and support making the film production process a safe and equitable space for everyone."