New Nuri Bilge Ceylan film receives biggest grant from directorate

ISTANBUL

The General Directorate of Cinema has announced that it will give a total of 25.6 million Turkish Liras in financial support to 30 projects this year, with the biggest share being granted to the latest film by internationally recognized director Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “Ahlat Ağacı” (The Wild Pear). 

Ceylan’s latest film “Ahlat Ağacı,” is a Turkey-France joint production and will be granted 2 million liras. 

Starring Hazar Ergüçlü, the film tells the story of a young girl who returns to her hometown to collect money for the printing of her book but is faced with the debts left by her late father. The film also received support from the Arte France Cinema. 

Another project that will receive support from the ministry is director Derviş Zaim’s “Flaş Bellek” (Flash Memory), which will be granted 1.5 million liras. The same budget will also be granted to Can Ulkay’s “Ayla.” 
The ministry will also grant a total of 6.2 million liras for a variety of directors’ first feature films, taken from the 25.6 million total.

At a meeting due to be held between March 8 and 10, the ministry will evaluate other projects including those related to documentaries, short films, research and development, scenarios and dialogues.