In 2017, Michaël and Amber Bloos’ father left for a trip to Istanbul and vanished. Struggling with psychosis, he lost everything—including himself—in the streets of the city.
Determined to find him, his children embarked on a journey to an unfamiliar Istanbul, following his traces across the border of Europe and Asia.
In this deeply personal project, To Istanbul, Michaël and Amber documented their journey in a compelling radio documentary.
The project explores the fine line between perception and reality, both in art and in the experience of psychosis itself.
Their search led them into a complex web of political tensions, cultural divides, and personal fears, ultimately culminating in an unexpected discovery—their father’s story unfolding on Turkey’s most-watched television program.
Through WhatsApp voice messages, interviews, and reflections, listeners experience their evolving reality firsthand—one where mental illness, family bonds, and societal structures intersect in unexpected ways.
Collaborations
Made in collaboration with radio producer Wederik De Backer, With an original soundtrack by Marc Alberto, To Istanbul was produced in collaboration with deBuren and supported by the Dr. C. J. Vaillantfonds. Broadcast on NTR Radio 1 (Netherlands) and Vlaamse Radio 1 (Belgium), it is now available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.