Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan to compete in Cannes

Vecdi Sayar – CANNES

Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s latest film “Ahlat Ağacı” (The Wild Pear Tree) is among the titles added to the festival’s list of films. Ceylan has previously won important prizes in Cannes, including the Grand Prix and Best Actor award for “Uzak” (Distant), the FIPRESCI award for “İklimler” (Climates), the Best Director award for “Üç Maymun” (Three Monkeys), the Grand Prix for “Bir Zamanlar Anadolu’da (Once Upon a Time in Anatolia), and the Golden Palm for “Kış Uykusu” (Winter Sleep). 

“The Wild Pear Tree” depicts the story of a young writer trying to find money to publish his book. During his trip to his native village, the young man comes across new discoveries about his father. We witness the encounter of the sad destinies of the two men. 

Another addition to the selection is Yann Gonzalez’s second film “Knife + Heart,” starring French actress Vanessa Paradis. “Ayka” by Kazakh director Sergey Dvortsevoy has also made it to the selection. Thus, the festival line-up now includes 21 titles. 

“Donbass” by Ukranian director Sergey Loznitsa will be the opening film for “Un Certain Regard,” another important part of the official selection. 

Nineteen films will be screened in this section, including “The Dead and the Others” by Portugese director Joao Salaviza and Brazilian director Renee Nader Messora, “Die Monster, Die” by Argentinian director/screenwriter Alejandro Fadel, “The Angel” by Luis Ortega, “Friend” by Wanuri Kahiu, and “Euphoria”” by Italian actress/director Valeria Golino.

Don Quixote at closing ceremony

Film festival director Thierry Fremaux’s announcement listed additional titles for Midnight Screenings, including “Fahrenheit 451” by American writer-director Ramin Bahrani. It is the second adaptation of the famous dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury. 

“Whitney,” a documentary by the Scottish director Kevin Macdonald about the life of famous singer Whitney Houston will be another picture in Midnight Screenings. 

British director Terry Gilliam’s “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote” will be screened after the award ceremony on May 19. 

Two parallel sections, Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week, also announced their selection. Edouard Waintrop, Director of Directors Fortnight announced his line-up for the last time, since he will be leaving his post next year. 

The majority of the program of the 50th edition are world premieres. Fortnight screenings will start with “Birds of Passage,” a Colombian film by Guerra and Cristina Gallega. 

Gaspar Noe’s “Climax,” Philippe Faucon’s “Amin” and Panos Cosmatos’ “Mandy” are among the other titles. The selection includes 21 features and 10 shorts. Apparently, this will be a strong year for the Directors’ Fortnight.