The International

When you find yourself living under martial law, as in Turkey in 1982, you must find any possible way to earn your living without upsetting the police. Sometimes, though, the best ideas come while you're sitting in a prison cell. A group of street musicians gather in jail one day (their illegal nightclub gets raided) and decide the best way to get out of jail and get out of trouble is to prepare a welcome ceremony for the members of the fascist Military Council who are scheduled to visit their small town. But to the young people of the village, Communism has the potential to overcome the iron fist of the military, and they are planning a protest to the Council's visit. When Abuzer, the band's conductor, overhears his daughter listening to a beautiful “international” song, (not knowing that it is a Communist anthem) he decides to get his group together to practice the new song that he passes off as his own. The village elders love the new song and welcome the opportunity for the local band to impress the military leaders. But when the song is played, the impression upon the Military Council is anything but expected. (In Turkish with English subtitles) – WFG