Turkish Film 'New Custom in an Old Village' Explores Humorous Surveillance Misunderstanding

The Turkish film 'Eski Köye Yeni Adet' (New Custom in an Old Village) presents a comedic narrative centered around a significant misunderstanding in a rural village. Set in the late 1990s, the story begins when a health team visits the village and fits all women with at least three children with intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control.

Shortly after the health team departs, the village men gather to discuss the devices. Through a series of comical misinterpretations, they conclude that the IUDs are actually microphones, installed by the government to constantly monitor their conversations. This mistaken belief drastically alters the dynamics within the village.

Convinced they are under surveillance, the men become extremely cautious about what they say in front of the women. They strive to be more polite and avoid any political discussions, believing their every word is being heard. In an attempt to gain favor and recognition from the unseen authorities, they even begin shouting "Vatan Sana Canım Feda" (My life for you, my homeland) towards the women, whom they now perceive as conduits for state communication.

The film explores the ensuing chaos and transformation within the village as this widespread misconception unfolds. The cast includes Bülent Emrah Parlak, Nail Kırmızıgül, Füsun Demirel, Burcu Gönder, and Haki Biçici, among others. Filming took place in Istanbul's Beykoz district and the villages of Kulfal and Tamış in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, specifically in the Assos region.