Overdrive | Istanbul in the New Millenium

This documentary film tells the story of Istanbul's struggle to come to terms with accelerated population growth and car-centric policies that have dominated its development in the last five decades -- issues that are challenging megacities around the world. Istanbul, where once only a select few people were granted the special privilege to ride horses rather than walk, is now being inundated with cars. With 45 percent of its citizens spending two or more hours commuting, the joy of living in this beautiful city is being overshadowed by congestion and all the other social and environmental problems this implies. Both a love poem and a critical investigation, the film explores the impact of global trends on a city with a unique and complex history. Once an ancient imperial capital, now a bustling modern megalopolis, will Istanbul renew itself once again, or succumb to uncontrolled motorization and urban growth? Directed by Aslihan Unaldi. For more information, visit [http://www.overdrivethefilm.com](http://www.overdrivethefilm.com).