Turtle Shells

European animal protection laws, German Armed Forces foreign operations and a seized turtle, whose shell was painted with the flag of the Syrian rebels. All converge at a reptile rescue centre in Munich, headed by Dr. Markus Baur. A German army specialist is learning how to deal with dangerous reptiles – he must keep calm, catch, neutralize. Meanwhile, Dr. Baur informs the turtle’s Syrian owner she’s unlikely to get her animal back under European species protection law. A multi-perspective film in the midst of glass terrariums exploring the connections between animal, man, and war. (International Istanbul Film Festival)