by Göksel Gülensoy
SADAN HANIM
Sadan Hanım is more than a documentary—it is an intimate journey through time, love, and identity. From vibrant childhood memories to the silent grip of Alzheimer's, her story reveals what happens when the past begins to fade. This film invites us to reflect on what truly remains when memory disappears.
"Have you ever walked along a shoreline, only to have your footprints washed away? That's what Alzheimer's is like. The waves erase the marks we leave behind, all the sand castles. Some days are better than others."
— Pat Summitt
There are approximately 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease — and every day, the number grows.
Behind each number is a unique story.
Would you like to witness one of them?
Presented in awareness of World Alzheimer's Day
Based on a True Story
"Sadan Hanım" is a feature documentary unfolding between 1933 and 2018, portraying the extraordinary life of an Istanbul woman across decades of social and personal change.
The film follows a clear narrative arc with a defined beginning, development, and conclusion, presenting a complete and self‑contained story. Real-life events are complemented by carefully staged reenactments, allowing memory to be visually reimagined while preserving authenticity.
Featuring carefully staged reenactments
performed by renowned actors
CANAN ERGÜDER
KENAN ECE
Synopsis
The Complete Story
"Sadan Hanım" is an 85-minute feature documentary exploring Alzheimer's disease through time, memory, and identity, told through the extraordinary life of an Istanbul woman whose memories reach back nearly a century.
Born in 1927, Sadan Hanım lived a life rich in personal and historical memories. When Alzheimer's entered her life at the age of 86, those memories began to slowly fade. As her past dissolves, the film follows both the woman she once was and the person she is becoming.
The progression of the illness is portrayed through rare original 8 mm archival footage filmed by Sadan Hanım and her family across Turkey, Europe, and the United States, interwoven with more than 140 hours of observational footage recorded over a period of two years. As past and present merge, memory itself becomes the narrative voice.
Through this unique structure, "Sadan Hanım" creates an intimate and deeply human portrait of memory fading, identity shifting, and the universal effort to hold on. Awarded at multiple international film festivals, the documentary speaks to global audiences, appealing strongly to arthouse viewers, cultural broadcasters, and platforms seeking premium human-interest storytelling.
Runtime
Footage Recorded
Archival Material
Tone & Style
A Cinematic Journey Through Time
"Sadan Hanım" features a dramatic, cinematic visual style, juxtaposing carefully restored 8 mm archival footage with contemporary 4K cinematography.
Set across multiple decades — from the 1930s to the present day — the film blends authentic period elements with subtly staged reenactments, allowing the past to visually resurface through memory. Color, movement, and framing emphasize the fluid and fragile nature of remembrance.
The film is underscored by an original, timeless score composed by internationally acclaimed composer George Kallis, featuring a song written and performed by Candan Erçetin. Together, image and sound create an intimate, emotionally immersive experience.
8MM + 4K
Archival footage meets contemporary cinematography
1930s–Today
Multiple decades of visual storytelling
Original Score
Music by George Kallis & Candan Erçetin
Partnerships & Scientific Support
Building trust through collaboration
Alzheimer Association Turkey
Official awareness partner supporting public education and advocacy for families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Collaboration on awareness campaigns and events, including World Alzheimer's Day.
Prof. Dr. Barış Topçular
Scientific advisor ensuring medical accuracy and credibility throughout the project.
Expertise in neurology and Alzheimer's research strengthens the film's authenticity and educational value.
Why This Matters
These partnerships highlight the social and scientific relevance of Sadan Hanım. They build trust among institutions, healthcare professionals, and audiences—reinforcing the film's role in raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease.
GÖKSEL GÜLENSOY
Director
Born on 9 March 1962 in Bandırma, Turkey, Göksel Gülensoy is an award‑winning documentary filmmaker and director. He began his career assisting legendary Turkish directors Ertem Eğilmez and Halit Refiğ, and joined TRT Istanbul Television in 1985 as a camera operator and video editor.
He has directed numerous documentary films and worked as a director for major networks including Show TV, Cine5, NTV, and CNN Türk. His documentaries have received multiple awards in Turkey and internationally.
Gülensoy's research beneath Hagia Sophia drew worldwide attention and later became the subject of a novel by Dan Brown.
International Cinema Machine Operator License
Post‑Production Certificate (Istanbul Grass Valley)
Cast & Crew
The creative team behind Sadan Hanım
Cast
CANAN ERGÜDER
SADAN HANIM
KENAN ECE
ZIYAEDDIN BEY
SERAP AKSOY
RANA HANıM
ALTUĞ YÜCEL
VIOLIN TEACHER
MANSUR ARK
ARAP BURHAN
EDİP SANER
RAŞİT ÇİNTAN
EBRU NİL AYDIN
NAZAN ÇİNTAN
CANSIN BEZİRCİLİOĞLU
NEZIHE AKBAY
Crew
Director
GÖKSEL GÜLENSOY
Screenwriter
KUTSİ AKILLI
Film Music
GEORGE KALLIS
Cinematographer
FERHAN AKGÜN
BURÇİN CANATEŞ
Producer
NEPTÜN ÜNÜVAR
Editor
FERHAT YÜKSEL