Yürü

Yürü (Walk) is a short film that came out of an attempt to slow down.

Following my therapist's suggestion to take regular walks as a way of dealing with anxiety and depression, I started recording myself walking. The idea was simple: to slow down, clear my head and reconnect with my body.

But when I watched the footage back, I realised I was basically power-walking through the city like I was late to an existential appointment. Even in my attempt to relax, I was rushing.

There was something funny and strangely familiar about this contradiction. Even when I was consciously trying to slow down, my body seemed to carry the rush and tension of everything happening around and inside me. Maybe it says something about what it means to be alive right now, when the world is on fire, our heads are loud, and even our quiet moments carry tension.

Still, I think there's beauty in the effort. In trying to walk slowly, even if your legs forget how. In trying to be present, even if your thoughts sprint ahead.