“Yurt”, Interview with director Nehir Tuna

FRED Film Radio had the privilege of conducting an interview at the 80th Venice International Film Festival with Nehir Tuna, the talented director behind the thought-provoking film Yurt, in section Orizzonti. Set in 1997, against the backdrop of increasing tensions between religious and secular Turks, “Yurt” tells the compelling story of Ahmet, a fourteen-year-old boy sent to an Islamic dormitory to learn Muslim values.

Ahmet strives to be the perfect son, but he faces difficulties fitting in with the rough kids at the Yurt while also keeping his new home a secret from his secular school classmates. His only solace is his friendship with Hakan, a street-smart kid who knows how to navigate the Yurt’s complex system. Together, they dream of making their own choices.

In an interview, Nehir Tuna shared a personal connection to the film’s narrative. He mentioned spending five years in a religious boarding school during his childhood, an experience that left a lasting impact. He vividly recalls moments of longing as He watched his parents’ everyday activities from afar, waiting for the simple comfort of their presence.

Nehir Tuna aimed to capture the isolation and pressure that Ahmet faces as he struggles to meet his family’s expectations while seeking a sense of belonging. The film skillfully transcends the macro-political struggle between religiosity and secularism, focusing on the individual experiences of its characters.

When asked about the challenges of producing and shooting “Yurt“, Tuna highlighted the difficulties they faced in securing funding, having been denied state aid multiple times. Despite these obstacles, the team’s determination led them to gather support from friends and raise funds internationally, demonstrating their commitment to bringing this powerful story to life.

One amusing anecdote shared by Tuna involved being denied authorization to shoot in a perfect location they had found for the boarding school scenes while making a short film related to “Yurt“. The denial was based on the absurd premise that no one in a religious boarding school could commit such a “sinful” act as stealing shoes. This incident illustrates the absurdity that can exist within such closed-off institutions.

Tuna clarified that “Yurt” is not intended as a direct criticism of religion in Turkey. Instead, it delves into the pressures and isolation that students at these institutions face, despite the rigid standards of purity expected from them.

One of the notable artistic choices in the film is its shift from black and white to color. Symbolically, black and white represent the uncompromising nature of life within the boarding school, where everything is viewed as either purely devout or completely secular. Colors enter the story as Ahmet and Hakan run away and experience newfound freedom, reflecting their liberation from the confines of the Yurt.

The film’s setting in 1996 allows for a historical perspective on the tensions between religious and secular forces in Turkey. While the dynamics have shifted in the years since, the enduring existence of schools like the one portrayed in “Yurt” highlights the ongoing struggle faced by individuals like Ahmet.

Regarding the relationship between Ahmet and Hakan, Tuna described it as multifaceted. Ahmet’s search for love encompasses love for his father, a classic romantic interest, and a deep friendship with Hakan, whom he views as both a role model and a brother. These complex layers make Ahmet’s character rich and relatable.

As for Ahmet’s future, the film suggests that he will continue living in the boarding school but has grown in many ways, adopting elements of Hakan’s character and his lust for freedom.

In conclusion, “Yurt” is a film that explores the personal struggles of its characters within the backdrop of a changing Turkey. Nehir Tuna‘s personal connection to the story adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling cinematic experience.

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