Erol Mintas’ ‘Earth Song’ Reveals Cast, First-Look Photos: ‘The Streets in Finland Are More Diverse Than the Screens’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for films that delve deep into the human condition, I find myself intrigued by Erol Mintaş’s upcoming feature “Earth Song.” Having spent years immersed in the rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling and hailing from a family originating from lands not too far away from where Mintaş calls home, I can’t help but feel a sense of kinship with this project.


Erol Mintaş has revealed the cast for his upcoming feature “Earth Song.”

Actors Dilan Gwyn (known for “Da Vinci’s Demons” and “Dracula Untold”), Ali Seçkiner Alıcı (“Burning Days”), Feyyaz Duman (“Yalan”) and Zenan Tünc will feature in the upcoming film penned by Mintaş and Mikko Viljanen, with the first-look images being released.

Previously, Mintaş directed Duman in his debut “Song of My Mother,” awarded at Sarajevo.  

Mete Sasioglu and Mintaş have created “Earth Song,” a production of Sons of Lumière. This film is jointly produced by Anna Blom at Jamedia Production (Finland) and Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer from Elemag Pictures (Germany). The Finnish broadcaster YLE has joined forces with us, allowing Cinemanse to distribute the movie in Finland. Sweden’s distribution will be managed by Folkets Bio.

In the play – currently under post-production and showcased at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films Works in Progress session – Rojin, who is of Kurdish-Finnish descent (portrayed by Dilan Gwyn), resides in Helsinki with her husband Ferhat (Feyyaz Duman) and their 12-year-old adopted daughter Azad. However, her life and family begin to unravel when her father makes an unexpected and heartbreaking appearance. This event compels her to deal with a complex past.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I find myself deeply appreciating films that skillfully weave together the perspectives of both leading and supporting characters. In the case of this particular film, if it weren’t for these intricate supporting roles, I believe our understanding of the main character would be significantly less rich and nuanced. That’s what I shared with EbMaster during our conversation.

Erol Mintas’ ‘Earth Song’ Reveals Cast, First-Look Photos: ‘The Streets in Finland Are More Diverse Than the Screens’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“The story revolves around a family and one of its members, Rojin, who encounters numerous difficulties due to her familial bonds, yet persists in pursuing what she deems important. The movie also explores how our family ties can be impacted when we prioritize the well-being of others.”

“Earth Song” will be shot in Kurdish, Turkish, Swedish and Finnish.

“There are significant inequalities that arise due to a person’s unique qualities or characteristics. These traits can be anything from how one styles their hat, to other aspects of personal identity. Unfortunately, not conforming to societal norms can sometimes lead to trouble. When faced with oppression because of these differences, it is natural for individuals to resist. This complex interplay between people is both intriguing and sad,” he explained.

“Throughout most cultures, families are deeply revered and considered sacred. I aimed to portray a family that challenges traditional notions of what a ‘family’ truly is, making both viewers and characters question these concepts. I sincerely hope this film encourages people to ponder the essence of family.”

Or about climate change – because of that, there’s a constant wind in Helsinki.

He pointed out that there are both breezy, lyrical outdoor landscapes and cozy indoor settings. The wind serves as a barrier, keeping these two environments distinct from one another.

Dr. Mintaš, currently engaged in doctoral research at Aalto University in Helsinki, established the Academy of Mobile Individuals and Visuals. This institution aims to cater to individuals who have relocated to Finland for various reasons – refugees, immigrants compelled by circumstance, students, or asylum seekers.

Erol Mintas’ ‘Earth Song’ Reveals Cast, First-Look Photos: ‘The Streets in Finland Are More Diverse Than the Screens’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“Sasioglu mentioned that he first encountered Erol via the Academy and was subsequently asked to instruct him on production. Since his father hails from a region not too distant from where Erol originates, they shared a common bond,” stated Sasioglu.

Based in Helsinki, Sons of Lumière concentrates on narrating tales from groups that are often overlooked. Their recent works feature “Áfruvvá” directed by the Sámi filmmaker Marja Helander, a captivating movie that made its debut at Venice.

“I’m thrilled that the movie secured funding, but there are ongoing difficulties in narrating such stories. At one point, some questioned whether this film was ‘Finnish’ enough. But what does ‘Finnish’ mean? Yes, the characters speak diverse languages and may not physically resemble typical Finns, but they reside in Helsinki, and the movie primarily unfolds there.”

As a movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly concur with the thoughts expressed by ‘The Gravedigger’s Wife’ director Khadar Ayderus Ahmed. It’s quite striking to observe that, despite the vibrant diversity on the streets of Finland, the Finnish film industry seems to be predominantly ‘white.’ This disparity between reality and screen representation is something I find myself yearning for a change in.

“It’s challenging to tell stories outside the usual norms of white society, but fortunately, we were fortunate: influential figures supported us, and they helped finance our film. Similar to us, these individuals felt strongly about showcasing these characters on screen. I hope that similar forward-thinking individuals will hold decision-making positions in the future, allowing the change we’ve started to continue.”

Erol Mintas’ ‘Earth Song’ Reveals Cast, First-Look Photos: ‘The Streets in Finland Are More Diverse Than the Screens’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Read More

2024-08-21 11:49