Luxbox Acquires ‘One of Those Days When Hemme Dies!’ Ahead of Venice Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

As an ardent admirer of captivating cinema that mirrors societal realities, I find myself deeply moved by the work of Murat Firatoglu and his debut feature “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies!” The film’s poignant exploration of tradition versus modernity, class divide, and human resilience is not only a testament to Firatoglu’s keen eye for storytelling but also a reflection of the complexities inherent in contemporary Turkey.

Film production company Luxbox has purchased the rights to “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies!,” a movie marking the debut of Turkish director Murat Firatoglu, which will have its first screening in the Horizons section of the Venice Film Festival.

The movie focuses on Eyüp, a man who tirelessly labors under the scorching sun during a tomato harvest in southeastern Turkey, compelled by an immediate financial obligation. Following a confrontation with his superior, he wanders through the city seeking an unconventional resolution to his predicament.

As a cinephile, I was immediately captivated by the visually striking ‘One of Those Days When Hemme Dies.’ The character of Eyüp, struggling to find a way out of his rage, resonated deeply with me. The film’s delicate use of humor only served to strengthen this connection. I have no doubt that other cinema lovers will feel the same intense emotion and appreciation for this masterpiece as I do.

In this movie, I find myself embodying the struggle between ancient customs and contemporary ways of life, much like Turkey’s current transformation. I, Eyüp, seem to symbolize Turkey itself – a country wrestling with its internal conflicts. Interestingly, this wasn’t a planned aspect but organically developed as the narrative unfolded, according to Firatoglu.

The movie depicts the increasing divide in Turkish society between affluent investors in high-tech vehicles and a struggling working class. Firatoglu acknowledged that this polarization is not exclusive to Turkey, but rather a global phenomenon. As a filmmaker and lawyer by profession, his political views undoubtedly impact his work. The film carries a left-wing perspective, reflecting his personal beliefs. However, he believes that the polarization we’re witnessing is a manifestation of a broader global problem. It seems as though the world is spiraling out of control, much like in the classic comedy, ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy.’

The movie explores ideas about masculinity, aggression, and the protagonist’s self-respect. Firatoglu commented: “While these themes – masculinity, violence, pride – play a significant role in the narrative, I personally view them as secondary. They’re not what I consider most important. What truly matters are fundamental human necessities such as sustenance, shelter, safety, and the concept of human dignity. These are the issues that people focus on when they’re trying to survive.”

The film opens with visually striking scenes of the tomato harvest as a backdrop. “Sometimes we come across a scene that profoundly impresses and captivates us, but we can’t quite articulate why. For me, it was the imagery of this landscape devoid of people, with its dry yellow mountains, red tomatoes, blue sky and yellow sun. However, when you add people to this description of an Eden-like setting, workers who toil in harsh conditions and have no social security, it suddenly turns the description of heaven into something that makes us ashamed to be human,” Firatoglu said.

2024-08-19 10:46

Luxbox Acquires ‘One of Those Days When Hemme Dies!’ Ahead of Venice Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

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