Takva - a Man's Fear of God / Takva
Turkey/Germany, 86' , 2006.

Directed by: Özer Kiziltan
Script: Önder Çakar
Producer: Sevil Demirci Çakar, Önder Çakar, Fatih Akin, Klaus Maeck, Andreas Thiel
Production company: Yeni Sinemacilik
Cinematography: Soykut Turan
Editing: Andrew Bird
Music: Gökçe Akçelik
Cast: Erkan Can, Güven Kiraç, Meray Ülgen, Duygu Sen, Salaettin Bilal

Format: 35, color
Running time: 86'

Synopsis
Humble introvert Muharrem lives a solitary and meager existence of prayer and sexual abstinence, adhering strictly to the most severe Islamic doctrines. His extraordinary devotion attracts the attention of the leaders of a rich and powerful Istanbul religious group. His acclaimed trustworthiness and conscientiousness inspire them to offer him an administrative post as rent collector for their numerous properties. Muharrem’s new job throws him into the modern outside world he has successfully avoided for so long. He soon witnesses hypocritical attitudes toward alcohol consumption and goodwill. He notices that he himself has become proud, domineering and even dishonest. To make matters worse, Muharrem’s inner peace is unnerved by the tormenting image of a seductive woman who tempts him in his dreams, both night and day. With the balance of his devotion now upset, his fear of God begins to eat away at his senses…

Awards
Berlin International Film Festival 2007
FIPRESCI Prize Panorama

Istanbul International Film Festival 2007
Best Actor / Erkan Can

Sarajevo Film Festival 2007
Heart of Sarajevo / Best Picture

Toronto International Film Festival 2006
Cultural Innovation Award

Directors Biography
Özer Kiziltan was born in Istanbul and studied law at the University of Istanbul. Before completing his degree, he left law school in order to study cinema and television at the Mimar Sinan University. He has written and directed several TV shows and award-winning short films. 'Takva - A Man's Fear of God' (2006) is his debut feature film.

Web pages
Official website
Official trailer

Reviews
Özer Kiziltan's bigscreen debut deservedly bagged the lion's share of prizes at Antalya's national fest; awards are possible off-shore as well. ‘A Man's Fear of God’ reps a strong new voice in Turkish cinema / Jay Weissberg, Variety

Location and screening schedule:
matinee: SC Cinema, Thursday, October 25th at 9.00
premiere: SC Cinema, Thursday, October 25th at 20.00
reprisal: Cinema Europe, Friday, October 26th at 16.00