Midnight Return: The Story of Billy Hayes and Turkey

After his ingenious escape from a Turkish prison in 1975, Billy Hayes arrived home to a hero’s welcome, instant celebrity and within a week had a book and movie deal for his story. From the moment it stunned the world at the Cannes Film Festival in 1978, 'Midnight Express' cemented its place in film history as an artistic and financial success, before becoming an indelible part of pop culture. But its lasting impact has been on Turkish people worldwide who still condemn the film as racist and blame Billy Hayes for defaming them and their country. Despite warnings from family and friends, Billy returns to Turkey and faces a nation still haunted by the film and his own demons.

FESTIVALS:
Camera D'Or (nomination, Cannes Film Festival)
Audience Award Winner - Oxford Film Festival
Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Thessaloniki Festival
Newport Beach Film Festival