The Wild Pear Tree 2019

Sinan, a young and ambitious writer, returns to his hometown of Çan after completing his college education, eager to secure local funding for his debut manuscript, which he describes as a quirky auto-fiction meta-novel. However, he quickly discovers that the residents show little interest in his literary aspirations. Adding to his troubles, his eccentric father, Idris, has succumbed to a gambling addiction that has devastated their family’s finances and reputation.

Feeling the weight of his career uncertainties and grappling with social isolation, Sinan embarks on a wandering journey through the countryside, engaging in often heated discussions with various relatives and locals. Among them are an established writer and two Imams, who express contrasting views on the role of religion in contemporary society.

In a desperate act fueled by frustration over his father’s reckless behavior and suspicion of theft, Sinan makes the heartbreaking decision to sell his father’s cherished dog to finance the publication of his book. Shortly after, he departs for mandatory military service. Upon his return, Sinan discovers that his father has not only abandoned the family but is now living a life as a rural shepherd.

In a poignant reconnection, the two have a friendly conversation. Idris shares that he has relinquished his long-held, yet futile, dream of digging a well on their barren land and that he has read and enjoyed Sinan’s book—perhaps the only person to do so. In a surreal and darkly humorous twist, it initially seems as if Sinan has taken his own life by hanging in the abandoned well. However, the scene shifts abruptly to reveal that Idris awakens from this troubling vision, concerned about his absent son. He approaches the well only to find Sinan at the bottom, diligently pursuing his endeavor—digging.