Fatih Akin Readies ‘Anatolian Dragon’ and ‘Ghosts’ as ‘Amrum’ Premieres at Cannes

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Fatih Akin, a filmmaker of German-Turkish descent, whose movie “Amrum” is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, is currently engaged in two upcoming projects. These include a documentary titled “Anatolian Dragon” and a narrative film called “Ghosts.” According to his recent statements to EbMaster, these projects are expected to begin production this summer.

In my perspective as a passionate cinephile, this documentary chronicles the artistic journey of Turkish musician-lyricist Gaye Su Akyol, who is currently immersed in crafting her newest album in the vibrant city of Berlin. Iggy Pop, it seems, appreciates her music greatly, and much like Pop during the 70s, she appears to have discovered a sanctuary for creative expression in this very metropolis.

Akin stated that she was compelled to depart from Turkey due to issues arising from her song lyrics in a society that’s increasingly misogynistic. Over the past five or six years, approximately a quarter-million educated individuals, including medical professionals and scientists, have chosen to emigrate from Turkey, signifying a significant brain drain.

Remarking about the subject, Akin said, “I wish to capture the essence of those individuals who are emigrating from our homeland, and she embodies that very spirit.

The movie “Ghosts” is being rewritten by Akin, and it’s a follow-up for the audience who enjoyed his 2022 film, Rheingold. He described it as a romantic tale, especially for those who connected with Rheingold. The success of Rheingold was immense in Germany, attracting a specific demographic, primarily from the Middle East. They discovered cinema through this movie. So, Akin thought, if they enjoyed the gangster genre, what about offering them a love story instead?

The story “Amrum” is set in 1945 on the peaceful German island of Amrum, where a 12-year-old refugee named Nanning – having fled his bomb-ravaged home in Hamburg – finds himself amidst a pastoral haven. He learns various skills such as hunting, fishing, digging for potatoes, and collecting honey. However, as the story unfolds, he gradually uncovers the disturbing truth about his parents, both fervent followers of Hitler, which ultimately results in him being forced to leave this idyllic paradise.

When it comes to the motif of losing innocence, Akin found inspiration in several sources. He was partly moved by reading John Milton’s poem “Paradise Lost.” However, from a cinematographic perspective, he took inspiration from Vittorio De Sica’s films, such as “Bicycle Thieves” and “Shoeshine,” and Rob Reiner’s “Stand by Me.” He mentioned this himself.

The movie drew inspiration from the youthful recollections of German director Harald Bohm, who initially penned the script; it later underwent revisions by Akin.

What initially drew Akin to Bohm’s narrative was the complex bond between a child and their parents, when the parents harbored radical political beliefs. “People can’t choose their parents, yet here is this boy who cherishes his mother, and she happens to be a Nazi. I didn’t intend to evoke sympathy for Nazis in any way, but I felt compelled to explore the nature of their love. I needed to portray the story of the love between a mother and her child. If I neglected that aspect, I wouldn’t have a film.

One reason Akin decided to tackle the project was due to the surge of far-right political groups in Germany, particularly the Alternative for Germany party. As Vance might argue, this is an extremist party. While it may have garnered votes from 10 million people, it doesn’t necessitate respect or accommodations. Unfortunately, such groups often impact our personal lives, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, it’s crucial to address the issue, and Akin believes that storytelling could aid in self-reflection about this matter.

He characterized “Amrum” as a voyage into the core of his “German spirit,” and asserted he is prepared to battle to safeguard the principles of his nation, including free speech. “The global erosion of these values is evident, and in Germany as well, and I, not simply as a filmmaker, but as a citizen of that community, must protect my German spirit.

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2025-05-15 07:16