Gianni De Benedittis’ jewelry at the heart of Ferzan Ozpetek’s new movie “Istanbul Red”

A beautiful flick, furtherly enriched by the “Pumo” pendant created by the Italian high jewellery designer.

Twenty years after his 1999 film debut Hammam - Il bagno turco, Ferzan Ozpetek returns to his hometown, Istanbul, that he has kept visiting throughout the years but where he hadn't filmed anything ever since. The title of this comeback is "İstanbul Red", a nostalgia-ridden movie loosely based on his novel of the same name, with an entirely Turkish cast led by Ozpetek's long-time friend Serra Yilmaz. The movie, which came out at the beginning of March, has received a warm welcome by the audience and very positive reviews by the critics. What makes it even more special is a piece of jewellery that two main characters wear and that symbolizes values like prosperity, happiness and good luck. It is the “Pumo” pendant made by Italian jeweler Gianni De Benedittis.

The jewel, inspired by the traditions and heritage of Puglia – Gianni De Benedittis’ land – represents a rosebud that is just about to bloom. A beautiful symbol, designed to celebrate special moments and important life turning points. In the movie, the pendant is worn by Neval (Tuba Büyüküstün) and Yusuf (Mehmet Günsür), a man and a woman that seem to entertain with the protagonist (the book editor Ohran) a special bond.

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Far from being a simple ornament, in the movie the “Pumo” pendant is a powerful icon that connects all the character’s lives and illuminates their choices and their destiny. An amazing example of crossbreeding between cinema, jewellery, design and intricate yet fascinating cultural echoes.