The Turkish novelist and essayist Elif Shafak is a prolific writer. As of 2024, she has written a total of 21 novels and has published a collection of essays. These titles include familiar names like The Island of Missing Trees, The Flea Palace, and The Happiness of Blond People. This success comes alongside Shafak’s education. Shafak holds a PhD in political science and an honorary degree from Bard College; she even taught at Oxford University. To top off acclaim, this year, the vastly intelligent and critically acclaimed writer had her 2019 novel 10 Minutes 38 Seconds In This Strange World bought by a Turkish production company.
The Book
10 Minutes and 38 Seconds In This Strange World tells the story of a sex worker in Turkey and the known phenomenon of brain activity after death. As the study goes, the human brain can remain alive for as long as ten minutes after death. Leila — known by the name Tequila Leila — has fallen into the work of a sex worker from decisions and circumstances often out of her control. Upon the opening of the story, the young woman is murdered, and the story is told through reconstructions of her memory brought on by the final ten minutes of brain activity.
In an interview with The Booker Prize, Elif Shafak shared that she is “drawn to silences — and the silenced. There is a part of me that wants to understand where are the silences in my society and who are the silenced.” This passion for bringing voices to the voiceless led her to write about the work of sex workers in this novel. It is part of her work, and the art itself, to develop stories that act as a “most needed sanctuary.”
Production
The story is to be adapted by ISB Films and Limon Films. ISB Films, started by Madrid-based sports broadcasting system, and Limon Films are working across countries to put together the production for the novel. Limon Films has previously produced Love is Blind, Farewell Katya, and Wiley Recai. The Turkish production house has been largely known for its work in producing stories that reflect the people of Turkey.
This mission, along with ISB’s want to produce works outside of the realm of sports films,about has led to the adaptation of 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds In This Strange World. The CEO of ISB Films shared his excitement about partnering with the Turkish film company in a conversation with Variety, “We are excited to combine our international outlook and financing resources with Limon’s in-depth knowledge of Turkish culture and production. This partnership promises to create a unique fusion of creative visions that will elevate the adaptation of Shafak’s work.”
Cast and Crew
Much of the information available for the production of the film is largely under wraps or unavailable due to the early stages of development of the project. The cast and crew is unlisted, and ISB has shared that it is still seeking a writer for the project. Because of Limon Films’ dedication to Turkish culture, it can be presumed that the cast and crew will be from Turkey to keep true to the themes and culture presented in 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds In This Strange World.
When To Expect the Release
There is no current set date for the release of the film. Due to the very early stages of development that the film is in, more updates are expected next year; however, it’s not likely that the film will be ready for release until 2026 or even later.
If the work of Shafak has interested you, take a look at Bookstr’s Bookshop collection Thoughtprovoking Novels on Womanhood.
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