Screening Of Revenge Of The Snakes

The Bursa Festival began in 1962. That same year, one of the most important directors in Turkish cinema history, Metin Erksan, made Yılanların Öcü (Revenge of the Snakes). The film caused controversy at its first screening and was banned from being shown abroad for many years. Time flows like WATER. This year marks the 63rd Festival. We are honored to present to you a restored copy of this timeless film, which is as old as our festival.

Adapted from Fakir Baykurt’s novel of the same name, it is a powerful social drama. Set in a poor village in Anatolia, the story vividly portrays class injustices, the pressure of traditional customs, and individual helplessness through the struggle over land and fields. With its realistic style, striking visuals, and depiction of village life at the time, it is considered one of the pioneering works of social realism in Turkish cinema. Starring Fikret Hakan and Aliye Rona, Metin Erksan’s direction remains one of the key elements that make the film unforgettable.