Burning Days

Emre is a young and dedicated prosecutor who, when he arrives in the town, witnesses the frenzied, brutal killing of a wild boar, which is then dragged through the streets. Though disturbed by this sight, Emre’s distaste subsides with the otherwise warm welcome he receives. He’s offered tea in the streets and receives visits from sycophantic local dignitaries. But Emre finds the town in a water crisis: the extensive use of ground water has resulted in sinkholes appearing. A journalist, Murat, provides Emre with some background involving faked geological reports, corruption and the impending “water trial” that could have severe repercussions on the powerful people running the town. When Emre attends a small dinner at the mayor’s home – which soon turns into a bacchanal, and then something even more sinister – he finds himself severely compromised. Alper expertly ratchets up the tension in this simmering and suspenseful tale – one easily extrapolated from this small village to many places beyond it.

EMIN ALPER trained in Economics and History. His first feature film Beyond the Hill (2012) won the Caligari Award in Berlin and Best Film at the Asia Pacific Awards. His second Frenzy (2015) received the Jury Special Prize in Venice. A Tale of Three Sisters (2019) played at several festivals around the world including SFF. Burning Days was selected for Cannes Un Certain Regard.