Min Dît

It's simple for me. Gross injustice and hypocrisy out in the world strike me as lamentable baggage of how undeveloped we are. In terms of cinema, I can muster no passion for simply dependable craft hitched on a social cause, the possibility of different ways to perceive ourselves and the myriad forms of suffering is too vast and open-ended a project.

So, I'm only being honest here, this is a solid film, that troubles and sheds light on marginalized lives, that affects in a modest way, but I can feel only a distanced solemnity. It can only be for me a sad reminder of how far back stretches the rear guard of civilization and how unlucky for some people, Dyarbakir in the film, further east these days it's Tikrit and Pakistan. Can we do something beyond a troubled viewing from the comfort of our homes? Is viewing enough?

The ending is a poignant call about this: instead of taking up the same gun in turn against a murderer, let his neighbors and people on the street know, circulate the narrative that unmasks. That's the value it has. But is the film going to be shown to the neighbors?

More people need to see this movie. This can be shocking to anyone who isn't aware of it. This is a Turkish film in the Kurdish language addressing the situation in Diyarbakir in eastern Turkey. Essentially three children are orphaned after a paramilitary group murders their parents for allowing activists to stay in their home. The rest of the story shows what the orphaned children do to survive. Yes it's a very heavy, hard-hitting story but done very well. The child actors are amazing, especially the lead actress. So sad and disturbing. The children are really amazing in this film. The story is set from Guilistan's point of view for the most part and its entirely believable. Her character is consistent.

An admirable film, both in intent and execution, but one which somehow never had the devastating impact it's tragic story would seem to deserve.

Part of a long line of films showing the incredible hardships kids who are orphaned and left to the streets face (e.g. 'Pixote') in this case there is a powerful political facet as well. A middle- class Kurdish journalist and his wife are gunned down in front of their young children (a boy, a girl and an infant) by Turkish paramilitary troops seemingly bent on silencing political opposition. The children are left to fend for themselves, ending up out on the street before long. They are ignored by most before finally settling in with some other street kids, and a prostitute who treats the young girl with kindness. This leads to a plot twist I won't give away here, but one with considerable punch.

So why wasn't I more blown away by this well-meaning film? I think it's because I felt a sense of slickness and manipulation. The film is shot with a certain reserve. Instead of hand-held camera, or a feeling of verite, there's a distance in the pretty, but almost Hollywood like cinematography. Unlike 'Pixote' or DeSica's best work, I could feel the strings being pulled, and so found my heart resisting. Also, while the 10 year old Senay Orak is truly amazing as the sister, much of the other acting in the film feels stiff and unnatural. I was always aware I was watching a movie, not real life.

I feel awful not loving the film more. It's heart is surely in the right place in bringing a tragic social and political situation to light. I wish it could have moved me to the tears it seemed trying so hard – too hard – to do. None-the-less, it's good enough that I would urge people to see it and judge for themselves.

What do two young kids do with their baby sister who cant stop crying ? What does food mean when the streets are hungry for blood ? What does it mean to change a point of view towards a better solution ?

Most of the answers and more are delicately yet firmly placed in Min DIt. Director, Producer and Writer Miraz Bezar has placed this responsibility of his message on the strong shoulders of his main leads - Senay Orak ( Gulistan ) & Muhammed Al ( Firat ). Both who deliver fiercely with soft eyes and strong character. A gritty, absorbing movie with a theme that's new to me ( the whole Kurdish/Turkish situation was briefly explained post viewing ) and all the actors performed par excellence. Simple, seamless story developments with brilliant screenplay, Min DIt tops my list at the Dubai International Film Festival.

Watching it at the DIFF 2009, the Q&A did get into a slightly political voice throwing atmosphere but was handled extremely well by the Director whom i must commend for his ability to understand both sides and choose to deal with Humanity as the subject of his movie and not who is right or wrong in the war.

Killing/Murder/Executions of fellow beings is just something we humans now close our eyes and accept. Things may change. Maybe we'll be just be more open to nonviolent solutions.

Thank you Miraz Bezar and whole crew of Min DIt for a lovely journey.

Peace.