Love is Colder Than Death (Aşk Ölümden Soğuktur)

Love Is Colder Than Death is a 1995 drama film written and directed by Canan Gerede. A co-production of Turkey, France and Switzerland, it brings to the screen the turbulent life of Bergen, one of the most beloved voices of arabesque music.

The film follows the singer's tragic story: scarred by a violent marriage, she lost an eye in an attack ordered by her husband and was eventually killed by him. Bennu Gerede portrays Bergen in the leading role, opposite Kadir İnanır, while the cast also features the veteran actor Tuncel Kurtiz.

On its release the film made a notable festival run. It earned Canan Gerede the Best Director award at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, brought Bennu Gerede acting honours abroad, and screened in competition at festivals including Locarno and Thessaloniki.