Visiting Hours May 14–23, 2015

Istanbul Modern Cinema offers a selection of films set in museums to mark International Museum Day which is celebrated every year on May 18. One of the films in the program is “Russian Ark” directed by Alexander Sokurov; one of the most inventive directors of Russian cinema in recent years. Comprising of a long-take, the film recalls the idea that there is no difference between documentary and fiction. Another film selected for screening is Jules Dassin’s “Topkapi” (1964). In the film starring Melina Mercouri and Peter Ustinov an international gang of thieves plan a robbery to steal a precious dagger from the Topkapı Palace Museum. Directed by Jem Cohen, the documentary titled “Museum Hours” focuses on the Kunsthistorisches Museum which has been welcoming art-lovers since 1891.