Erol Mintaş unveils cast for ‘Earth Song’
A new cinematic journey
Erol Mintaş, the acclaimed director known for his poignant storytelling, has announced the cast for his upcoming feature film, Earth Song. This highly anticipated drama will star Dilan Gwyn (known for “Da Vinci’s Demons” and “Dracula Untold”), Ali Seçkiner Alıcı (from “Burning Days”), Feyyaz Duman (featured in “Yalan”), and Zenan Tünc. The film, co-written by Mintaş and Mikko Viljanen, has also released its first-look photos, generating significant buzz among cinema enthusiasts.
A reunion of talents
Mintaş previously collaborated with Feyyaz Duman in his debut film, Song of My Mother, which garnered accolades at the Sarajevo Film Festival. This reunion promises to bring a depth of emotion and authenticity to Earth Song.
Production and distribution
Produced by Mete Sasioglu and Mintaş under the banner of Sons of Lumière, Earth Song is co-produced by Anna Blom for Jamedia Production (Finland) and Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer for Elemag Pictures (Germany). Finnish broadcaster YLE is on board, with Cinemanse distributing the film in Finland and Folkets Bio handling distribution in Sweden.
A story of identity and family
Set in Helsinki, Earth Song follows Rojin, a Kurdish-Finnish woman played by Dilan Gwyn, who lives with her husband Ferhat (Feyyaz Duman) and their 12-year-old adopted daughter Azad. The family’s life is upended by an unexpected visit from Rojin’s father (Ali Seçkiner Alıcı), forcing her to confront a complex and painful past.
Exploring family dynamics
Mintaş emphasizes that the film is not just about Rojin but also about the intricate relationships within her family. “The film is told from the point of view of the main character, but the supporting characters are also very important. Without them, we wouldn’t understand her so well,” he explains.
Earth Song delves into the challenges Rojin faces due to her family ties and her dedication to what she finds meaningful. It also explores how family relationships are affected when one dedicates themselves to the greater good.
A multilingual narrative
The film will be shot in Kurdish, Turkish, Swedish, and Finnish, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of its characters. Mintaş highlights the injustices that arise from one’s identity, stating, “Identity can be anything; it can be the way you wear your hat, and that can get you into trouble – just because you don’t fit into the box.”
Rethinking the concept of family
Mintaş aims to challenge the traditional notion of family, which he believes has been idealized in many societies. “I wanted to show a family that would make us rethink what the whole concept of a ‘family’ even means. For them and for us. I really hope the film will make people think about that.”
The poetic landscape of Helsinki
The film’s setting in Helsinki plays a crucial role in its narrative. Mintaş describes the city’s constant wind as a metaphor for the separation between the poetic outdoor scenes and the intimate indoor spaces. This dynamic adds a layer of depth to the film’s visual storytelling.
A platform for underrepresented voices
Mintaş, a doctoral researcher at Helsinki’s Aalto University, founded the Academy of Moving People and Images to support displaced individuals, forced immigrants, students, and asylum seekers. This initiative reflects his commitment to telling stories of the underrepresented.
A diverse production team
Sons of Lumière, the Helsinki-based production company behind Earth Song, focuses on stories of the underrepresented. Their recent productions include Áfruvvá by Sámi filmmaker Marja Helander, an immersive film that premiered in Venice.
Challenges and triumphs
Despite the film’s success in securing funding, Mintaş acknowledges the challenges of telling stories that deviate from the norms of white society. He notes that the film industry in Finland is still predominantly white, but he remains hopeful for the future. “There are great decision-makers, and we got the film financed because of them. Like us, they believed these characters should be seen on screen.”
Looking ahead
Mintaş hopes that the change in the film industry will continue, allowing more diverse stories to be told. Earth Song is a testament to his dedication to this cause, and its release is eagerly awaited by audiences worldwide.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Earth Song.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Earth Song, highlighting its themes, production details, and the significance of its narrative. By exploring the film’s context and the director’s vision, readers can gain a deeper understanding of this upcoming cinematic work.