Noah Land

Winning Best Actor and Best Screenplay at the Tribeca Film Festival, this Turkish drama contemplates faith, trust and the trappings of masculinity, earning comparisons to Abbas Kiarostami’s filmography for its poignant, contemplative approach.

As his death approaches, the terminally ill Ibrahim (Haluk Bilginer, Winter Sleep) has one last wish: to be buried under the tree he planted in his rural village as a child. Son Ömer (Ali Atay) promises to follow through; however, the townsfolk have other plans. In the 45 years since Ibrahim left, the tree has become a holy symbol, with the locals believing it was actually placed there by Noah after the Great Flood.

Told as much through cinematographer Federico Cesca’s (Yomedine, MIFF 2018; Patti Cake$, MIFF 2017) vivid images as through dialogue, Noah Land pairs a dying man’s determined fight with his son’s increasing struggle. First-time writer/director Cenk Ertürk crafts an intimate exploration of human nature that doubles as deeply intense character study – as evidenced in Atay’s stirring, award-winning performance.

“Men are allowed to be vulnerable, and Noah Land reminds us of that fact.” – Film Threat