Synopsis
Sinan (Aydin Doğu Demirkol), an aspiring writer, returns home after university hoping to scrape together enough money to publish his first novel. He wanders the town encountering old flames and obstinate gatekeepers and finds his youthful ambition increasingly at odds with the deferred dreams of his gambling-addict father (Murat Cemcir). As his own fantasies mingle with reality, Sinan grapples with the people and the place that have made him who he is.
Following in the great tradition of family dramas like Death of a Salesman and Long Day’s Journey Into Night, The Wild Pear Tree weaves an evocative tale of creative struggle and familial responsibility with inspired performances, sumptuous imagery and surprising bursts of humor. It’s one of Ceylan’s most personal works to date, a film as rich, layered and uncompromising as the novel its headstrong hero is working to publish.
Reviews
"His funniest, most politically poignant work yet."
— Bilge Ebiri, Village Voice
"Masterful."
— Jay Weissberg, Variety
"Perceptive and profound."
— Eric Kohn, Indiewire
"Rich and ruminative."
— Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times
"The one film guaranteed to take you away from it all... I can't wait to see it again."
— Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
"No star will be born in The Wild Pear Tree... There is still something to be won, though: if not forgiveness, then the capacity to forgive. To Ceylan, that would be the most difficult art of all—and if you look around with him and see how beautiful everything is, it just might seem possible."
— Stuart Klawans, The Nation
Press Materials
High-Res Stills and Poster
Press Kit
Press Release
Where to watch
Playdates
May 11: Museum of Fine Arts - Houston, TX
May 2: Cape Cod Festival of Arab & Middle Eastern Cinema - Brewster, MA
May 4-5: Doc Films - Chicago, IL
May 31-June 2: Webster Film Series - St. Louis, MO
May 2: Cape Cod Festival of Arab & Middle Eastern Cinema - Brewster, MA
May 4-5: Doc Films - Chicago, IL
May 31-June 2: Webster Film Series - St. Louis, MO
Festivals & Awards
Official Selection - Cannes Film FestivalOfficial Selection - New York Film Festival
Official Selection - Toronto International Film Festival