An extremely devout Muslim man’s beliefs are upset by temptation and the modern world, causing his fear of God to quickly eat away at his senses.Muharrem has worked quietly as a simple clerk for over 30 years in the same traditional Istanbul neighborhood where he was born. The humble introvert lives a solitary and meager existence of prayer and sexual abstinence, adhering strictly to the most severe Islamic doctrines.
Muharrem’s extraordinary devotion attracts the attention of the leaders of a rich and powerful religious group. His acclaimed trustworthiness and conscientiousness inspire them to offer him an administrative post as rent collector for their numerous properties.
Provided with new clothes, a cell phone and a computer, Muharrem is thrown into the modern outside world he has successfully avoided for so long. His naive eyes are soon witness to hypocritical attitudes toward alcohol consumption and goodwill.
To his dismay, Muharrem becomes domineering and proud, eventually even inadvertently cheating in a business deal. To make matters worse, Muharrem’s inner peace is unnerved by the tormenting image of a seductive woman who tempts him in his dreams, both night and day.
Muharrem has built his life around being able to distinguish between carnal and spiritual values. But the balance of his devotion is now upset. His fear of God begins to eat away at his senses …
Muharrem / ERKAN CAN /// Rauf / GÜVEN KIRAÇ /// Sheikh / MERAY ÜLGEN /// Dream woman / Sheikh’s daughter / ÖZNUR KULA /// Muhittin (Assistant) / ERMAN SABAN /// Mahmut / MURAT CEMCIR /// Mr. Ali (Boss) / SETTAR TANRIÖGEN
DIRECTOR / ÖZER Kiziltan /// WRITER / ÖNDER ÇAKAR /// PRODUCERS turkey / SEVIL DEMIRCI / Önder ÇAKAR /// PRODUCERS germany / FATIH AKIN / KLAUS MAECK / ANDREAS THIEL /// DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY / SOYKUT TURAN /// MUSIC / GÖKÇE AKÇELIK /// EDITOR / ANDREW BIRD /// Executive Producer Turkey / FERIDUN KOÇ /// Executive Producer Germany / FALK H. NAGEL /// A production of Yeni Sinemacilar in co-production with Corazón International
FORMAT 35 mm / 1:1.85 / Colour / Dolby Digital / LENGTH 96 mins
Özer Kiziltan has directed several TV series and mini-series in his native Turkey, including 2005’s Yagmur Zamani (Rain Time), 2004’s Müjgan Bey, 2003’s Kursun YarasI (Bullet Wound) and 2002’s Gülbeyaz. After studying law at the University of Istanbul, he graduated in 1994 from the Cinema & Television Department of the University of Mimar Sinan.
Toronto 2006 / Swarovski Cultural Innovation Award ///
Antalya Golden Orange 2006 / Best Actor Award for Erkan Can / Best Art Direction Award / Best Cinematography Award / Best Costume Design Award / Best Music Award / Best Screenplay Award / Lab Competition Award / Make-Up Award
