Event
10th New York Turkish Film Festival - Ulak / The Messenger
CONTEMPORARY TURKISH CINEMA
SYNOPSIS
One day, a traveler called Zekeriya comes out of nowhere and gathers the children of a village to tell them the tale of a heroa messenger named Abraham. The tale is so effective and traumatic that ineluctable winds of change arise. Life in the village is not the way it used to be anymore. When a real disaster breaks out in the village, the beliefs and hearts of the villagers become visible. Everyone is aware of each others feelings of love, hate and mercy. What was once silent is now voiced; what was once hidden in darkness now comes to light. So, all the honest and truthful people wait for the day when messenger Abraham will come to save them.
FESTIVALS & AWARDS
2008 International Istanbul Film Festival (Turkey): Radikal Newspaper Peoples Choice Award
2008 Adana Golden Boll Film Festival (Turkey): Peoples Jury Award
FROM THE PRESS
The Messenger may not be considered to be accomplished film, but it has so many bold, innovative, different and original aspects that it deserves more respect than the so-called accomplished films. The movie presents a number of complicated/complex points from various perspectives. The story takes place in an unknown time and the set decor in itself is a bundle of symbols: the antique Greek columns that the characters use as seats; an arch reflecting a combination of various architectural styles; and the ruins of a caravanserai... A Muslim community, in which derogatory expressions such as idolater and infidel are used to curse or degrade people, seems to carry within itself the traces of pre-Islamic shaman practices that find their expression in womens colorful face adornments, festivities, dances and rites that resemble religious worship. The story of a potentially sacred and mysterious book delivered to the world by six apostles is certainly a Christian motif. This is no doubt about the eternal struggle between Good and Evil, and furthermore, Virtue and Sin. This small community harbors both elements which are in deep conflict...
Atilla Dorsay. A Complicated Film with Complicated Architecture and Symbols. The Messenger.
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LocationAnthology Film Archives
32 Second Ave. (at 2nd St.)
New York, NY 10003
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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Contact
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