When the Walnut Leaves Turn Yellow

About This Movie

When the Walnut Leaves Turn Yellow is a gripping exploration of life in southeastern Turkey, where the tensions between Turkish military patrols and PKK guerrillas create a suffocating atmosphere. The film centers on Ciwan, the village chief, portrayed with a quiet intensity that captures the weight of his responsibilities. Its pacing feels almost meditative at times, allowing the viewer to soak in the stark beauty of the landscape and the harsh realities of rural life. There’s a rawness to the performances that feels authentic, especially in the way Ciwan navigates between his family’s needs and the community’s struggles. The practical effects and on-location shooting lend an air of realism that’s hard to shake off, making the emotional stakes all the more palpable.

Explores Kurdish struggles in a tumultuous settingStrong performances, particularly from the leadCinematography captures the harsh beauty of the region