September (Eylul)

A Ca Film production. (Worldwide sales: Arti Prods., Istanbul.) Created by Turker Korkmaz. Directed, compiled by Cemil Agacikoglu.With: Turgay Aydin, Gorken Yeltan, Elena Polyanskaya, Ayten Uncuoglu, Mete Domezer, Serkan Keskin.A mood piece inside a minor key, "September" traces the change inside a marriage triggered with a wife's mysterious illness. As her body betrays her, cutting her breath short, she turns inward and from her husband who cannot bridge the widening gap. Depending on empty spaces, diminishing light and silences, Turkish digital photographer-switched-helmer Cemil Agacikoglu's debut feature limns the husband's feeling of superfluity and newly found vulnerability toward another lady positively seeking his help. Missing the scope of countryman Nuri Bilge Ceylan's mournful walkabouts, "September" nevertheless reps a basic fest-bound find. Yusuf (Turgay Aydin), a light, introverted goldsmith, cannot sufficiently reassure his sick, frightened wife, Asli (Gorken Yeltan). He goes from sitting quietly by her hospital mattress to winding gold strips within the workshop above his boss' jewellery store, to pacing his empty apartment, to finally ferrying his wife to her home village once she regains strength. Meanwhile, Asli's youthful Russian wardmate (Elena Polyanskaya), beaten by her wealthy protector and requiring sanctary, calls Yusuf, who finds her hotels. Helmer Agacikoglu grants or loans these locations greatly vivid presence, applying a gravitational pull that anchors his otherwise slight social story.Camera (color, HD), Ali Olcay Gozkaya editor, Taner Sarf music, Dogan Doru art director, Eda Tutuk. Examined at Montreal World Film Festival (First Films, competing), August. 27, 2011. Running time: 90 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com