Paper Lives is a 2021 Turkish drama film directed by Can Ulkay. The film focuses on the life of a waste warehouse worker named Mehmet, who lives in Istanbul and is struggling with his ailing health. One day, he comes across a young boy named Ali, who is in need of help. Mehmet takes the boy under his wing and starts to care for him.
As Mehmet spends more time with Ali, he starts to relive his own traumatic childhood. He was an orphan who grew up in an abusive and neglectful environment. The memories of his past trauma start to resurface, and he must confront his demons.
Paper Lives is a heart-wrenching tale of the importance of human connection and the power of love to heal trauma. The film has been praised for its powerful performances and emotional storytelling. It showcases the beauty of Istanbul while also highlighting the struggles faced by those living in poverty.
