Documentary - Karsu

Discovered playing piano in her parents' Turkish restaurant, Karsu Dönmez is the Dutch Norah Jones. Karsu is a subtle and rhythmically edited coming-of-age film about this singer. For three years, director Mercedes Stalenhoef follows Karsu as she climbs the ladder from the restaurant to the stage of Carnegie Hall, and further into the music world. Karsu may be young, but this effervescent girl knows that she wants to be a famous performing artist. Life in the Dönmez household, however, goes on pretty much as before. Karsu has to finish school first, and she should play it safe with her career. We watch as Karsu goes about her daily life in Amsterdam and spends the summer vacation with family in Turkey. It's no coincidence that the name of the village is also Karsu, which means "snow water." In passing, we also hear about her parents' history as migrants. These lively scenes are intercut with Karsu's reflections about music. "I've always loved that sense of drama," she explains. Her parents carefully guide their daughter in her career - sometimes too carefully, in Karsu's opinion. But more than anything, the look in their eyes conveys a great sense of pride. "When she plays the piano, I float," says Mr. Dönmez.

Both Karsu and director Mercedes Stalenhoef will be attending the late screening in Rialto on February 14. After the screening, everyone is invited to the Turkish restaurant Kilim (Ceintuurbaan 246, on walking distance from Rialto) where Karsu will perform some songs as she did as a teenager.

During the time the film screens at Rialto, you can eat a special ‘Karsu-menu’ for a discount price at Kilim, the Turkish restaurant of Karsu’s parents. Go to Rialto’s website for more information. Plus: During the time film screens at Ketelhuis, you get a discount for a three course meal at Toscane (Haarlemmerdijk 176), the restaurant owned by Karsu’s uncle. See the website of Ketelhuis.

The documentary Karsu will screen from February 14 in Amsterdam, Den Bosch, Den Haag, Hoorn, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht and more. See www.cinemadelicatessen.nl for the latest information regarding screening times and locations.