Eastern Turkey

Village in a desolate countryside. At the school, for the April 23 Children's Day, it is decided to organize a performance of the play Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Aslan is given the role of one of the seven dwarfs and Ayse, the little girl he wants, the role of the princess. Unacceptable will be tolerating the role of the prince given to Osman. We begin to glimpse the temperament of Aslan, an 11-year-old boy who does not accept orders. After a failed attempt to convince the teacher to entrust him with the role of prince, he will decide to stop going to school. Meanwhile, dog fights are organized in those areas, and Aslan will decide to spend the night in the cold with the beaten and abandoned dog, asking him why he is angry. Convinced of his strength and somehow identifying with the defeated figure seeking redemption the child convinces Sashin to take the dog home.

He is a Kandal of Sivas and Aslan is convinced that he is a super dog. After a few attempts to train him, feed him, and get him to recover he suspects that the family is trying to sell him and therefore does not hesitate to stage a stunt to make them uncomfortable by undressing and provoking them, shouting about putting his clothes up for sale as well.

He is a child of few words Aslan, he knows what he wants and no one can make him do what he does not agree with.

On the journey to Ankara, where Sivas will fight with Bozo, Aslan listens to the adults' speeches and does not intervene; he learns that the dog fights for his master and this makes him feel responsible enough to make a decision that will seem irreversible...

More than yet another friendship between child and dog here Aslan projects himself and identifies with Sivas. He wants a rematch with him because he knows he is a leader.

Completely shot in Anatolia, Mujdeci chose nonprofessional actors making the setting the protagonist along with the extraordinary figure of the child.

A sublime first feature that represents through Aslan's gaze the magic of an 'extremely representative film work for an international film art exhibition.

A sophisticated and unusual film that teaches the sensitivity of waiting and listening, of observing and lingering through silent communication filled with expressive talent.

27-Jun-2023 by Beatrice