Halit Ergenc and Merjem Uzerli Premiere Film in Egypt

The film “Spring on Imroz” (in the original, “Imroz’da Bahar”) had its world premiere on the evening of October 20 at Festival Plaza, as part of the film festival in El Gouna, Egypt. Its two leads, Halit Ergenc and Merjem Uzerli, appeared together on the red carpet before the screening.

Fifteen years ago the pair played Sultan Suleiman and Sultana Hurrem in the series “Magnificent Century,” which has aired since 2011. “Spring on Imroz” is their first joint project since that series.

Where was the film shown, and when can it be seen again?

The film runs 90 minutes and screened in the official program at El Gouna, out of competition. A second screening is scheduled for October 22. A trailer came out before the premiere, and Ergenc and Uzerli also shared a joint video beforehand, telling fans that after a long break they were working on the same project again.

What is “Spring on Imroz” about?

The story follows two people whose paths cross on the island of Gokceada. Ergenc plays Arif, a writer who has not been able to write for a long time. Uzerli plays Sonya, who lost her husband and son three years ago. Through their meeting, the film deals with loss, loneliness and the possibility of taking hold of life again.

Filming wrapped in the first half of 2026 on Gokceada. Once the scenes were done, Ergenc and Uzerli stepped in front of the camera one more time for the photo shoot for the film’s poster.

Who is behind the film?

Ozdzan Alper, known for “Sonbahar” and “Karanlik Gece,” directed. He wrote the screenplay together with Luzin Dink. The producers are Emre Oskaj and Mehmet Korutirk, and the cinematographer is Jorg Gruber.

What did the actors write after the premiere?

Both posted joint photos from the festival on their Instagram accounts. Halit Ergenc wrote in his post:

“It was very exciting to be in front of an audience again after 15 years with Merjem, with this film we made together, and especially to have our opening at the El Gouna Film Festival. The film began its journey with a magnificent first night. Bon voyage to it.”

His co-star addressed the festival organizers and the audience on her own Instagram account. Merjem Uzerli wrote:

“World premiere at the El Gouna Film Festival, thank you from the bottom of my heart for hosting us. A story about hope, healing and love… And about the miracle of a second chance… Some stories begin on an island, and yet they touch all of us… An island keeps many stories, but every story has a heart that can touch all of us. Our world already carries enough conflict and suffering, often stirred up by those who seek to divide us, to label us and put us in boxes.

Yet the true power of art lies in the confidence it gives us to embrace our differences without fear, to recognize ourselves in others and to remember that we are all part of the same human story. Because true confidence does not mean seeing differences as a threat, but having the strength to embrace them. And perhaps that is the most beautiful thing about art: it reminds us not of what divides us, but of what connects us. Last night, sharing this story with all of you was truly special. Grateful for art. Grateful for togetherness.”

The film screened in El Gouna on October 20, and the next screening at the same festival is scheduled for October 22.