Erol Mintaş's latest cinematic endeavor, 'Earth Song,' is poised to make its global debut at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam. This compelling feature embarks on a poignant exploration of familial bonds, forgotten memories, and the intricate path toward atonement, viewed through the lens of a Kurdish-Finnish physician's personal revelations.
Film Premiere: 'Earth Song' Unveils Generations of Truth and Healing at IFFR 2026
In a compelling cinematic event set to premiere on January 30, 2026, at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), director Erol Mintaş will present his eagerly anticipated second feature film, 'Earth Song.' This powerful narrative, described as a 'resonant drama reflecting on the Kurdish experience of dispossession and exile,' promises to take audiences on a profound journey of truth and reconciliation across generations and cultures.
The film introduces Dilan Gwyn as Rojîn, a dedicated 40-year-old Kurdish-Finnish anesthesiologist whose life has been largely devoted to humanitarian endeavors. Her demanding career, however, has inadvertently created a rift within her immediate family, leading to a strained relationship with her 12-year-old adopted daughter, Azad (Zenan Tünc), and a tense marital dynamic with her husband (Ferhat Feyyaz Duman).
The intricate plot thickens with the arrival of Rojîn's father, Nizam (Ali Seçkiner Alıcı), from Sweden. His visit unravels a long-buried family secret dating back to the military coup in Türkiye in September 1980, a revelation that not only challenges Rojîn's understanding of her own heritage but also complicates her unspoken struggle with how to disclose Azad's adoption to her daughter. Driven by an urgent need to connect with her roots and mend the fracturing ties with Azad, Rojîn embarks on a transformative journey to Kurdistan.
Mintaş articulates the film's broader relevance, stating that while rooted in Kurdish and Turkish historical contexts, 'Earth Song' extends its embrace to Finland and Europe. He hopes it provides 'hermeneutic tools' to foster a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped these diasporic communities, now integral parts of European society. The director emphasizes his commitment to the characters' individual quests for self-understanding amidst a tapestry of Finnish, Kurdish, and Turkish issues.
Produced by Mete Sasioglu and Mintaş through Sons of Lumière, in collaboration with Anna Blom's Jamedia Production and Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer's Elemag Pictures, 'Earth Song' is highlighted by Sasioglu as a universal tale. He notes the film's emphasis on the crucial importance of confronting difficult truths and the inherent responsibilities individuals hold towards one another. Sasioglu expresses his optimism that the film's family saga will resonate globally, transcending linguistic, cultural, and geographical divides.
The official trailer for 'Earth Song,' exclusively revealed by The Hollywood Reporter, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the family's concealed past and the arduous but necessary process of healing and reconnection. Inspired by Langston Hughes' poem 'An Earth Song,' which speaks to themes of renewal, Mintaş's film is poised to be a powerful and timely cinematic experience.
The 'Earth Song' offers a compelling narrative on the profound effects of historical events on individual lives and family structures. It underscores the universal human desire for belonging and understanding, prompting audiences to reflect on their own heritage and the intricate stories that shape who they are. This film serves as a poignant reminder that while uncovering difficult truths can be challenging, it is often a necessary step toward genuine reconciliation and personal growth.
