Mehmet Ali Konar’s film “When Walnut Leaves Turn Yellow” was screened at the 14th International Crime and Punishment Festival in Istanbul. The film artistically explores the impact of political violence on Kurdish society and presents a deep social critique. The writer suggests that this film is a masterpiece that can demonstrate the psychological references and spiritual characteristics of the Kurds.
Film Content
The film is built around the story of Feyzi and his Ciwan Feyzi. The father has fallen seriously ill and wants to prepare his son for a life weighted with painful truths. Within this framework, the film particularly exposes the crushing impact of political violence in Northern Kurdistan over the last 40 years. In the dialogues between father and son, we encounter the raw confrontations with violence. Feyzi, when called to his dying father’s bedside, realizes that he must shoulder both the material and painful spiritual legacy of his father.
Critique of Violence and Social Values
In the film, the most impactful dialogue occurs when the child says “I don’t want Kurdistan, I want my brother, my Kurdistan is my brother.” This statement reveals the fundamental criticism of violence and values lost in the name of struggle. The film shows how the death of Kurds differs from that of other peoples and how this difference itself is a result of violence. The film also draws attention to the fact that death for Kurds is not something ordinary and should be removed from the discourse of political violence.
Artistic Features and Symbolism
The film also stands out with its artistic aspects. Particularly the final scene where the father stands naked before a tree symbolically represents the responsibility passing from father to son. Additionally, through the use of language and natural scenes, the film shows the impact of violence on all Kurdish beings – from humans to animals and trees. This draws attention to the biological, psychological, and social aspects of political violence.
Critics’ Assessment
According to critic Mehmed Sanri, the film draws viewers in through the strong relationships between father and son, thereby slapping the heavy political violence in Kurdistan across the viewers’ faces. In this way, the film explores both the obvious and hidden aspects of violence and opens up a new space for questioning.
Awards and Achievements
Mehmet Ali Konar has achieved many successes with this film and his other works. Among them are more than 30 international and national awards:
- Best Film Award
- Best Director Award
- Best Screenplay Award
- FIPRESCI Award
- Turkish Film Critics Association Award
Director’s Filmography
Mehmet Ali Konar has created several important works before this film:
- When Walnut Leaves Turn Yellow (2024) – 100 minutes – World Premiere: 47th Gothenburg International Festival
- Ali and Zin Ana’s Dance (2021) – 65 minutes – World Premiere: 40th Istanbul International Film Festival
- Colorless Dream (2018) – 62 minutes – World Premiere: 37th Istanbul International Film Festival
Source: Written by Huseyin Siyabendi for Independent Türkçe, this is a translation of its summary. Independent Türkçe, Hüseyin Siyabend Aytemur
