Makbul – His Favoured One

An historic film, set in the 16th century. There are two characters, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Irbahim the Makbul, his favoured one. Ibrahim, as the chief caretaker of the royal chambers, comes into the room where the Sultan is awaiting him and brings the neccessary material for foot washing. The royal feet are washed and the toenails cut. These functions are practiced as a silent homo-erotic ceremony. History in “Makbul” is subjectively read. “Makbul” is a film about power and passion. It aims at questioning power. Who is more powerful, the sultan or the slave that he loves? How far can one go in lowering oneself to hurt the beloved and thus have complete control over him? Where is the line that separates ambition and passion?