Hande Erçel to Star in Nader Saeivar’s Berlin-Set Film Diaspora

Turkish actress Hande Erçel has been confirmed as the lead star of Diaspora, a new feature film directed by Iranian filmmaker Nader Saeivar. The production is set to be filmed in Germany, marking a significant international collaboration for the actor.

Plot and Character Details

In the narrative, Erçel portrays Merve, a woman who relocates from Turkey to Germany with her 12-year-old son following the death of her husband. The story unfolds in Berlin, where Merve attempts to establish a new life and secures employment at a language school operated by a German family.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Merve experiences inappropriate behavior from the family’s son. Her decision to disclose these events leads her into an unexpected struggle, forming the core conflict of the film.

Production Schedule and Preparation

Filming for Diaspora is planned to commence in the first months of 2027. To prepare for the role, Erçel is expected to travel to Berlin approximately one month prior to the start of principal photography. During this period, she will undergo language training, participate in rehearsals, and work on developing her character.

The movie will be shot in three languages: German, English, and Turkish. This multilingual approach reflects the diasporic themes central to the storyline.

Casting and Crew Information

German actor Moritz Bleibtreu will co-star alongside Erçel. He is cast as the father of the German family where Merve works. Additional members of the cast are scheduled to be announced in the coming weeks.

The production is helmed by producers Said Nur Akkuş and Emre Oskay. The project represents a continued effort by Saeivar to explore cross-cultural narratives through cinema.