Ozpetek’s rich and poignant debut feature depicts the self-discovery of a married Italian businessman who inherits a Turkish hamam. When Francesco (Alessandro Gassman) first goes to Istanbul after his aunt’s death, he plans on quickly selling off whatever property is now his. Discovering that he’s inherited an ancient steam bath rather than the modest house he imagined, Francesco soon finds himself entranced by the culture and traditions of this remarkable space. He is similarly taken with Istanbul itself, its cuisine and hospitable people, particularly the son of the family he’s staying with. Steam deals cogently with issues of personal fulfillment and poignantly demonstrates how it is found in the most unexpected places.


Written by Ferzan Ozpetek, Stefano Tummolini. Photgraphed by Pasquale Mari. With Alessandro Gassman, Francesca d’Aloja, Carlo Cecchi. (94 min, in Turkish and Italian with English subtitles. Strand Releasing)