Times and Winds

Director Reha Erdem paints an affecting portrait of life in a remote village of Turkey with this tale of three preteen friends whose childhood dreams are gradually crushed by the apparent wickedness of their adult guardians. Ömer's (Özkan Özen) father is the local imam and a highly respected member of the community, but that doesn't change the fact that he treats Ömer with such distain that the youngster can frequently be found praying for his father's death. Yakup (Ali Bey Kayali) is a young boy who houses secret affections for the teacher of the local one-room schoolhouse. His childhood obsession slowly gives way to repulsion, however, when he sees his father admiring the woman's undeniable beauty as well. Lastly, Yildiz's (Elit Iscan) mother is a cruel woman who drives her daughter like a slave. When Yildiz accidentally catches her parents making love, the disturbing sight leaves a lasting impression on the young girl's fragile psyche.