Our Hodja (2014)
A warm Turkish comedy about an unofficial village imam who unites his community against an unwanted hydroelectric dam project.
Our Hodja - Movie Information
- Original Title: Bizum Hoca
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Serkan Acar
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Turkish
- Spoken Languages: Turkish
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 7, 2014 (Turkey)
- Alternative Titles: Bizim Hoca (TR)
- Production Companies: Pinema
- Production Countries: Turkey
Our Hodja - Plot
After the delay of an official imam sent to a little village, the villagers try to find an imam to lead them during pray. After discussions, they decide to make "Bizum Hoca" (Our hodja) the imam of village, a villager loved and respected by everyone, though he is not an official one. Hodja, a different man from stereotype imams, also wants to change some bad habits villagers have. Meanwhile, the construction of one of the hydroelectric power plants (HPP) causing intense discussions in the region, next to a river flowing through the village, becomes a hot issue on the village's agenda. The villagers are against this construction and the fight begins. "Bizum Hoca" finds himself leading the villagers who started the protests.
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Our Hodja - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Serkan Acar
Main Cast
- Cezmi Baskın
- Levent Ülgen
- Serhat Özcan
- Sabriye Kara
- Seymen Aydın
- Mehmet Usta
- Erdem Baş
- Şamil Kafkas
- Adem Yılmaz
- Tahsin Taşkın
Writers
- Yılmaz Okumuş
Producers
- Serap Balkaya
Our Hodja - FAQs
What is Our Hodja about?
Our Hodja follows a beloved, unofficial village imam who steps up when the expected official cleric fails to arrive. Beyond leading prayers, he challenges old habits and rallies his community against a controversial hydroelectric power plant threatening the river that runs through their village.
Who directed Our Hodja?
Our Hodja was directed by Serkan Acar. The film was produced by Pinema and written by Yılmaz Okumuş, with Serap Balkaya serving as producer. It was released in Turkey on March 7, 2014.
Who are the main actors in Our Hodja?
The cast features Cezmi Baskın, Levent Ülgen, Serhat Özcan, Sabriye Kara, Seymen Aydın, Mehmet Usta, Erdem Baş, Şamil Kafkas, Adem Yılmaz, and Tahsin Taşkın, among others rounding out the village ensemble.
When was Our Hodja released?
Our Hodja had its theatrical release on March 7, 2014, in Turkey. The film is a Turkish-language production running 90 minutes and was distributed under the alternative title Bizim Hoca in the Turkish market.
Is Our Hodja based on a true story?
Our Hodja is not based on a specific true story. However, its central conflict — a rural community fighting against the construction of a hydroelectric power plant — reflects real and widespread environmental debates that have taken place across Turkey over the past two decades.
What is the environmental message in Our Hodja?
Beyond its comedy, Our Hodja engages with a very real issue: the construction of small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) on Turkish rivers, which sparked significant public protest throughout the 2000s and 2010s. The film uses the village's fight as a warm, humorous lens on grassroots environmental activism.
What are similar movies to Our Hodja?
If you enjoyed Our Hodja, you might also like Wicked Little Letters (2024), What's Love Got to Do with It? (2023), Candy Cane Lane (2023), and LaRoy, Texas (2024) — all comedies with strong community spirit and a warm, character-driven sense of humor.
How long is Our Hodja?
Our Hodja has a runtime of 90 minutes, making it a brisk and entertaining watch. The film is entirely in Turkish and was produced in Turkey by Pinema, with a theatrical release on March 7, 2014.
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