Derûn

Derûn blends the breathtaking landscapes of the Black Sea with masterful cinematography, delving into the depths of an impossible love story. This tale intertwines themes of love, betrayal, and regret, centering on the melancholic end of a journey that began with passion. The film is rooted in the first story of Rumi's Masnavi, 'The King and the Slave Girl.' At its heart is Marife, a woman in her sixties living in isolation in the Black Sea region, the protagonist of a 40-year self-imposed exile from humanity. Her solitary existence is a consequence of a great love and heartbreak she experienced in her youth. After decades alone, one day her door is knocked upon. Standing before her is Ateş, the son of her great love, İlyas, bringing the body of his deceased father. İlyas’ final wish is to be buried in Marife’s garden. But can Marife overcome the anger she has carried her entire life? Even if their bodies can never reunite, will their souls finally find peace beyond the physical world? In her directorial debut, Müge Uğurlar describes Derûn through the words of Rumi: 'The spark that ignited this journey was love and desire. Along the way, obstacles and trials stood like insurmountable hills. Death overcame these barriers, and the union of souls took place beyond the realm of bodies. In this voyage between the transient world and the unchanging truth, some were left behind, while others completed the journey.'