Support IYAAN a film by Ayten Mutlu Saray

Team fundraiser

AUBE FILMFESTIVAL and Pete Kreil are organizing this fundraiser.

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Dear Supporters,

We are thrilled to present our latest cinematic endeavor, "IYAAN", and we are reaching out to request your support. "IYAAN" is a poetical-philosophical film that delves into the depths of the human experience, exploring the intricate balance between cultural values and self-discovery.

Building on my previous works, including "La mort en Exil," featured in the Cannes Film Festival's Cinéfondation competition, and "Zara," which premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival, I have consistently committed to poetic filmmaking. I believe poetry is a universal tool for articulating the fragility of human existence. My portfolio also includes documentaries, essay films, and an art exhibition, each maintaining a dedication to poetic storytelling, showcasing the complexity of existence through various cultural lenses.

About The Project

The story unfolds in winter, as 35-year-old Iyaan tragically loses his young son. This devastating loss triggers an inner turmoil, compelling him to seek answers to existential questions: Why did this happen to me? Who is to blame? Where did the mistake occur? Shattered on the inside, Iyaan searches for someone to hold responsible. This emotional storm pushes him to seek help from his father—a challenging decision given their complex relationship. However, his father rejects him once again, leaving Iyaan torn between rage and despair. He roams through desolate landscapes, wandering day and night until he is physically drained.

The film explores the possibility of healing through nature and complex familial relationships, navigating themes of grief and the intricate bond between fathers and sons. With its profound exploration of emotional healing and human resilience, "IYAAN" promises to be a compelling narrative about the human condition.

Our Vision

"IYAAN" serves as our response to the evolving interplay of cultural values and the pursuit of self-discovery. By portraying human vulnerability and triumph, we aim to inspire audiences to explore their own existential questions, fostering compassion and understanding. Our vision is to create a film that resonates on a deeply personal level, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships.

We believe that cinema has the power to bridge cultural divides and promote empathy. "IYAAN" is not just a film; it is a movement towards recognizing and celebrating our shared humanity. Through this project, we aspire to contribute to the global conversation on grief, healing, and the importance of family bonds.

Why We Need Your Support

To bring "IYAAN" to life, we require your assistance. Collaborating with esteemed filmmaker Selma Baccar in Tunisia and the Beirut Film Center (BFC) for post-production, your support will enable us to cover essential costs, ensuring the success of the project and benefiting the local community. The collaboration with BFC transforms "IYAAN" into an educational film project, allowing young filmmakers to work on an international project with an experienced team. Filming is scheduled to begin in winter 2024/2025 in Tunisia, with the film set to be completed by the end of 2025 in Beirut.

Your support will cover essential costs, including:

Film production logistics
Travel and transportation
Accommodations
Film equipment (memory cards, hard drives, lighting materials)
Daily expenses
Personnel expenses (actors, crew)

How You Can Help

There are two ways you can support us in bringing "IYAAN" to life:

By Sharing: Spread the word about our project through social media, email, and word of mouth. The more people who know about "IYAAN", the greater our chances of reaching our funding goal.
By Donating: Any amount, big or small, will make a significant impact. Your contribution will directly support the film production and post-production processes, ensuring that we can bring this important story to the screen.

Our Promise

Together with the Co-founder of the Beirut Film Center Samer Beyhum, Director of Photography Peter Kreil, Composer Rainer Fiedler, Editor Daniel Gibel, and executive producer Selma Baccar, and with your generous support, "IYAAN" will serve as a beacon for emerging voices in the film industry. We aim to showcase an alternative approach to film funding and inspire independent filmmakers worldwide.

Make A Difference Today

By contributing to our fundraising campaign, you help us tell this compelling story and join a movement for artistic freedom, cultural understanding, and the power of poetical storytelling. Your support will not only make "IYAAN" a reality but also foster a greater appreciation for diverse voices and narratives in cinema.

"IYAAN" has the potential to touch hearts and minds, encouraging a deeper understanding of the human condition. Through its themes of grief, healing, and family, the film can inspire conversations that lead to personal and collective growth. By supporting this project, you are contributing to a cultural artifact that will resonate for years to come, influencing both audiences and future filmmakers.

Thank you for considering our project and for being part of our cinematic journey. Together, we can turn "IYAAN" into a reality.

Storyboard of some scenes for IYAAN