RED RIVER, BLACK SHEEP

RED RIVER, BLACK SHEEP (KIZILIRMAK KARAKOYUN), 1967

Turkey | Digibetacam, Black & White, 71’ | TurkishDirector: Lütfi Akad
Cast: Yılmaz Güney, Nilüfer Koçyiğit, Kadir Savun

This Anatolian legend, which Nâzım Hikmet based on two folk songs, is one of the most striking examples of the collaboration between Akad and Yılmaz Güney and has influenced the movies Güney himself directed. Ali Haydar, who is a shepherd, is in love with Hatice, the daughter of the nomad leader. But as this is contrary to their customs, the village elders lay down one condition: The sheep will be fed salt for three days; if they can cross the river without drinking any water the girl will be his. The enamored shepherd succeeds but the nomad leader gives his daughter to someone else, which leads the entire tribe to revolt. Treating of the timelessness of legends with a plain and simple narrative style and the folk songs of Pir Sultan Abdal, Red River, Black Sheep indicates the beginning of a new phase for the director.