Cenneti Beklerken

"Waiting for Heaven" (Cenneti Beklerken), directed by Dervish Zaim, is a visually captivating and intellectually stimulating Turkish film that premiered in 2006. Set against the backdrop of the 17th century Ottoman Empire, the story follows Eflatun, a miniaturist commissioned to create a watercolor portrait of a rebellious leader in a Western style, which will help confirm the leader's identity. As Eflatun undertakes this task, he finds himself caught in a complex web of political intrigue and personal conflicts.

The film excels in immersing viewers in a richly textured historical environment, beautifully showcasing the essence of the Ottoman period through its breathtaking cinematography and careful production design. Zaim's meticulous attention to detail shines through in every scene, from the elaborate costumes to the exquisite artwork that Eflatun produces.

Yet, "Waiting for Heaven" is more than just a visual delight; it explores profound themes of faith, artistry, and the search for life's meaning. Eflatun's journey is both a physical and symbolic one, as he confronts his beliefs and the societal pressures that challenge his moral compass. Having lost his wife and children, he encounters an enslaved woman with whom he falls in love. The film prompts viewers to reflect on the role of religion in society and the individual's duty to maintain their principles amidst challenges.

The performances are compelling, particularly Serhat Tutumluer's portrayal of Eflatun, which is both nuanced and reflective. While some may find the pacing slow, those who enjoy a contemplative and philosophical narrative will appreciate the depth of "Waiting for Heaven."

This thought-provoking film provides a distinctive viewpoint on a captivating historical era, celebrating the power of art and the timeless human quest for truth and enlightenment.

Most people who watched the movie sought historical truth in the script.

However, this movie is a 'fairytale' fiction.

Examining a work in such detail sometimes causes the things it tells to go unnoticed.

Dervis Zaim unlike many Turkish directors has yet only four movies made, which all four are totally different projects, but this one "Cenneti Beklerken" ( Waiting for Heaven ) is a masterpiece in every description.

The movie tells about a fictional story in the 17th century Ottoman Empire which emphasizes the conflicts between the eastern & western cultures as well as the naive situations of the empire.

Since drawing pictures are almost prohibited in the Muslim tradition and only simplistic figurative miniatures are permitted to describe the events of the era, the main character Eflatun struggles in between having a western origin but an Ottoman education and the hard realities of life.

The long term studied story & scenario also written by Dervis Zaim reflects to the silver screen with a beautiful graphic work combining the story & the scenes. The art work is supported by mirror reflections of flashbacks and a totally carefully captured historical background.

The casting is superb where you cannot imagine they're fictional characters but the original elements of the story. The oriental taste of soundtrack is also something you'll enjoy.

Almost a four-five years' work is simply put into a screen for your joy & sorrow without any hesitation.

I hope the movie gets a remarkable attention of cinema lovers and I'm sure it'll be a classic for the next generations.

Thanks, Dervis Zaim...

The director Dervis Zaim used a different technique, combining the modern cinema with an ancient art Miniature, never consists of light, shadow, volume and perspective, to explain the unknown situation in 17th century of Ottoman Empire. While watching the movie every scene seemed as a part of art in terms of color, costumes, light and impression. The audience may either find some clues about the system of the Empire such as life style, architecture, desires of Sultan's son to govern the empire and janissaries which are peculiar to Ottomans, or feel philosophical notions which are hidden behind abstract concepts like dreams, life, death, art and heaven. The sentence of Vizier (Vezir) "Both justice and beauty are necessary for Universe" is the sentence which can be counted as favorite quote of movie.

To date CENNETI BEKLERKEN has been the only totally historical drama in director Dervis Zaim's oeuvre.

However, as expected from a director so preoccupied with temporal relationships, the action consciously oscillates between different levels of reality. It is basically a quest-narrative focusing on hard-pressed miniaturist Eflatun (Serhat Tutumler) who is forced on an expedition to quell a rebellion against the Sultan, and to draw the head of the rebel, once he is eventually killed. Unwilling to undertake the duty, he is forced to on pain of death. He eventually completes his task, but finds the Sultan's reaction is not what he anticipated.

Within this structure director Zaim offers a meditation on the miniaturist's art. It was said that a good artist was in contact with the divinity; Zaim does not go that far, but does suggest that he is equipped with the power to deconstruct realities. This is suggested through a remaking of Velazquez's "Las Meninas," which appears as a work dedicated to rebel leader Danyal (Nihat Ileri), using the original Velasquez form, but adapted to Ottoman cultures. Through this device Zaim makes us reflect on whom art belongs to, and the role of the viewer in the artistic exchange.

Like many of Zaim's films, CENNETI BEKLERKEN is a work that befits repeated viewings, so as to uncover its subtleties. It is not an easy watch, but ultimately a rewarding one.