Director Nuri Bilge Ceylan revealed that he had more than 200 hours of material and his original cut was 4 hours 30 minutes. He then "worked hard" to make it down to 3 hours 15 minutes.
This is the longest film ever to win the Palme d'Or. As well as the 13th longest film just to be in competition for the award.
The poster of the film is inspired by I. Glazunov painting which was painted for Dostoyevsky's first novel "Netochka Nezvanova". Relevant painting can be seen in Nihal's room.
The leading actor Haluk Bilginer rejected the role three times because of his tight theatre schedule. Director Nuri Bilge Ceylan insisted and the filming was planned according to Haluk Bilginer.