St. Regis Hotels & Resorts this week premiered an original short film written and directed by John Malkovich. Starring Julian Sands and Turkish actress Belçim Bilgin, A Postcard from Istanbul offers sweeping views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks alongside precious moments capturing the city’s rich culture and historic charm. The cinematic five-minute picture was shot throughout the iconic city in celebration of the debut of The St. Regis Istanbul, which opened March 1st marking the entry of the luxury hotel brand in Turkey.
“A Postcard from Istanbul is based on a concept I conceived on one of my many journeys to Istanbul, a city I have long revered and have grown to love,” said John Malkovich. “Being in Istanbul is like being in a dream cloaked in dazzling colours, intriguing sounds and a cornucopia of flavours. Together with St. Regis, I hope to bring to screen the allure and richness that this remarkable destination has to offer.”
A Postcard from Istanbul follows a screenwriter, played by Sands, who goes to Istanbul with the hopes of finding inspiration to write a screenplay based on a novel he has long admired. A beautiful guide, played by Bilgin, introduces him to the city’s sights, sounds and flavours. In the end, he walks away with a love of the city and more. This film is set to a specially-produced soundtrack with music by Turkish jazz musician İlhan Erşahin as well as an evocative poem “I am Listening to Istanbul” by Turkish poet Orhan Veli Kanik.
A Postcard from Istanbul premiered at an exclusive screening in London on Wednesday, March 3rd, with Malkovich, Sands and Bilgin in attendance. Hosted by Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, VIP guests at the glamourous event included Amber Atherton, Bella Freud, Amber Nuttall, Meghan Markle, Tom Hollander, Stephen Frears, Martha Fiennes, Detmar Blow, Elizabeth Saltzman and Jecca Craig.
