The feature-length directorial debut of Emre Sert and Gözde Yetişkin, titled “Sahibinden Rahmet” (which translates to “Mercy from the Owner”), made its official presentation at the 62nd International Golden Orange Film Festival in Antalya. This prestigious gathering, widely recognized as the nation's oldest film forum, consistently reaffirms its crucial status as the primary showcase for Turkish cinematic art. For Sert and Yetişkin, this production marks their inaugural joint venture into feature filmmaking, a project notably distinguished by being shot entirely in Yetişkin's ancestral village.
The narrative, which had previously been screened internationally at the Shanghai International Film Festival, draws its core inspiration from a genuine, documented occurrence: the impact of a meteorite in a rural community located within Çankırı province. The directors, particularly Gözde Yetişkin, explained that they utilized this extraordinary event as a powerful foundation to reflect the internal friction between the concepts of East and West that persist within Turkey itself. The film skillfully navigates a significant tonal shift, commencing as a lighthearted comedy before evolving into a profound drama that meticulously scrutinizes underlying societal tensions and hidden conflicts.
Lead actor Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu offered insight into the production process, noting that the combined leadership of the two directors provided a richer, more comprehensive vision for the project. He acknowledged, however, that securing the initial commitment of the full acting ensemble proved challenging in the early stages. The successful creative partnership is rooted in diverse experience: Emre Sert brings valuable background from screenwriting work conducted in Los Angeles, while Gözde Yetişkin ensured a crucial female perspective was integrated into the narrative fabric. Together, they have crafted a complex, multi-layered piece of cinema that resonates deeply with contemporary Turkish issues.
The core narrative follows İrfan, a resident of the impoverished village, whose life is upended by the discovery of the largest fragment of the fallen meteorite. This object promises substantial financial gain upon sale. İrfan quickly becomes consumed by the pursuit of profit and the sense of power it grants him. He is obsessed with the idea of selling his valuable “Gift” to American buyers, determined to secure the highest possible price. This powerful plot mechanism—where an external, valuable event acts as a catalyst for profound internal change—serves to illustrate a crucial point: how sudden external “wealth” can tragically lead to the erosion of genuine human connections and the loss of true, intrinsic values within a community.
The 62nd Golden Orange Film Festival is currently running in Antalya under the inspiring motto “From the Heart,” spanning the period from October 24 to November 2. This year’s program features a robust selection of 104 local and international films. The festival, which traces its history back to 1964, continues to demonstrate increasing support for the arts: the total prize fund for the event was significantly boosted this year, rising from 6.2 million to 9 million Turkish Liras, underscoring the growing importance of the event to the global film community.