In the upcoming film ‘Earth Song,’ directed by Erol Mintaş, audiences are invited to witness a poignant exploration of truth and reconciliation across three generations of a family. The story centers around a Kurdish-Finnish doctor who discovers a family secret that shakes her very foundation and challenges her understanding of her own identity. This film is not just a tale of familial bonds but also a reflection on memory, personal growth, and the complexities of heritage that transcend borders.
Erol Mintaş first garnered attention with his debut film, ‘Song of My Mother,’ which won accolades at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2014 for its portrayal of Kurdish life in Istanbul. Now, ‘Earth Song’ is set to have its world premiere in the Harbour section of the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on January 30, as part of its 55th edition.
The lead role of Rojîn is portrayed by Dilan Gwyn, a 40-year-old anaesthesiologist who has spent most of her life in Finland, dedicating herself to humanitarian efforts often at the expense of her personal relationships. As a result, her bond with her 12-year-old daughter, Azad, played by Zenan Tünc, is increasingly strained; similarly, her marriage to Ferhat, played by Feyyaz Duman, is fraught with tension.
The plot thickens as the family’s hidden past begins to resurface. Unbeknownst to Azad, she was adopted, and Rojîn grapples with the difficult task of revealing this truth to her. Compounding her struggles, Rojîn’s father, Nizam (Ali Seçkiner Alıcı), arrives from Sweden and discloses a well-guarded family secret tied to the military coup in Türkiye of September 1980. This revelation ignites Rojîn’s determination to fully understand her origins and mend her relationship with Azad, prompting her to embark on a journey to Kurdistan.
According to the festival's website, ‘Earth Song’ is described as “a resonant drama reflecting on the Kurdish experience of dispossession and exile.” The film’s title pays homage to Langston Hughes' poem "An Earth Song," which speaks to themes of renewal and hope.
Mintaş elaborates on the film’s significance, stating: “While the historical backdrop may suggest it primarily addresses issues pertinent to Kurdish and Turkish peoples, I believe it has broader implications for Finland and Europe. It provides interpretive tools that could foster a deeper understanding of the factors shaping these communities now integrated into society.”
The director emphasizes, “The interplay of Finnish, Kurdish, and Turkish narratives enriches the storyline, but my primary focus remained on the characters—their journeys, needs, and the truths they seek about themselves.”
‘Earth Song’ was produced by Mete Sasioglu and Mintaş through the Finnish production company Sons of Lumière, in collaboration with Anna Blom from Jamedia Production in Finland and Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer from Elemag Pictures in Germany.
Sasioglu highlights the film’s overarching theme: “It’s about a family’s journey over three generations towards truth and reconciliation. It underscores the vital importance of confronting uncomfortable truths and accepting our responsibilities toward each other.” He hopes that the family’s narrative will resonate globally, prompting reflection among viewers regardless of their cultural or geographical backgrounds.
In an exclusive reveal, THR presents the trailer for ‘Earth Song,’ which teases the family’s buried secrets and the relationships that require mending. This cinematic journey promises to take viewers on an emotional ride through challenging truths and the essence of reconciliation.
