Cinematic geography and visual narrative in film posters and scenes: The case of Cappadocia
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cinema conveys its narrative and aesthetic elements not only through moving images but also through a visual language that extends from film posters to scene compositions. Narrative is not limited to a collection of characters and events; the space in which events take place constitutes one of its foundational components. Within a cinematic context, space transcends its function as a mere backdrop and becomes an active narrative element that generates atmosphere, produces meaning, and interacts with characters. Consequently, geography is directly linked to a film’s narrative structure, and the spatial images presented to the audience both reflect the emotional tone of the story and shape cultural representations of specific places. Within the scope of this study, the interaction between narrative and geography is examined through a visual analysis of film posters and selected scenes from films shot in the Cappadocia region. Using a semiotic analysis method, the research investigates how Cappadocia is represented as a narrative space, an atmosphere-creating element, and a touristic icon. Drawing on cinematic geography, visual culture theories, and the literature on place representation, the study demonstrates that film posters and scenes can be read not merely as aesthetic products but also as visual narratives that construct geographical memory. In this context, Cappadocia is evaluated not simply as a visual setting but as an integral component of cinematic narration and a site of cultural memory.
Language: English
Topic: Spatial and Cultural Studies
Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204110062