The Jungle
Turkey / Fiction / 13' / HD / Color / 2015
In the heart of Istanbul, the forest of nothingness and a megacity, Omar and his two daughters struggle for their lives after fleeing the war in Syria. In this city witnessing all the sorrows and pleasures of the world, Omar, who was once a Public Works officer in his homeland, starts living like a beggar and tries to build his life on an utter obscurity. He pounds the pavement and begs for help with his daughters. The only source of income he could find is catching stray animals and selling them to Fahri, the pet shop owner. One day, however, Fahri comes to Omar with a strange request: He wants Omar to catch snakes in the forest at the outskirts of the city.
Director: Onur Saylak, Doğu Yaşar Akal
Script: Hakan Günday, Onur Saylak, Doğu Yaşar Akal
Director of Photography: Feza Çaldıran
Producer: Ziya Cemre Kutluay
Musician: Uygur Yiğit
Editing: Ali Aga
Sound: H. Can Erol
Cast: Selim Bayraktar, Muhammet Uzuner, Tuba Büyüküstün, Mustafa Uğurlu, Mavi Mercan
Festivals Attended
Akbank Kısa Film Festivali, London FilmFest, Berlin Independent Film Festival, 33rd Festival Tous Courts, Boston Documentary and Short Film Competition,
Awards
Best Short Film - Berlin Independent Film Festival, Special Mention - 33rd Festival Tous Courts, Special Mention - Boston Documentary and Short Film Competition, Best Editing in Foreign Film - London FilmFest