The Big Hill

“The Big Hill” tells the story of four generations of Crimean Tatars' migration, longing and struggle for survival through the eyes of Naci Konar in the Tatar language. The Short Film is an emotional and inspiring journey about belonging and the struggle to connect with the past.

  • Tunç Boran
    Director
  • Naci Konar
    Key Cast
    "Naci Konar"
  • Sultan Konar
    Key Cast
    "Sultan Konar"
  • Tunç Boran
    Producer
  • Salih Köse
    Director of cinematography
  • Selçuk Karadaş
    Director of cinematography
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Balaban Oba
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Türkiye
  • Country of Filming:
    Türkiye
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No

  • Turkey
Director Biography - Tunç Boran

Tunç Boran (born July 25, 1974) is an academic and director with the title of Associate Professor. After completing his undergraduate education in Journalism at Ankara University, he earned a master’s degree in Sociology at Hacettepe University and a PhD in History at Ankara University. In 2021, he received the title of Associate Professor in the field of Cinema. His academic and artistic career focuses on themes such as history, culture, and collective memory. Specializing in documentary filmmaking, Boran has produced works particularly centered on historical and cultural topics. His notable documentary projects include "Şerife Bacı" (2017), Ankara Cinayeti 1945 (Ankara Murder) 2013 and "İpek Yolunun Hazineleri" (Treasures of the Silk Road, 2016), , which explores Seljuk-era caravanserais. Additionally, he directed 14 documentaries as part of the "Tarihi Değiştiren Yüzler" (Faces That Changed History) series, which focused on the lives of significant historical figures. Boran’s short films, such as "Limbo" (2023) and "Bellek" (Memory, 2020), have been featured in international festivals. Currently, he is a faculty member at Çankırı Karatekin University, where he conducts academic studies on documentary cinema, the history of Turkish cinema, and sociological approaches to film.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker of Crimean Tatar heritage, I share Naci Konar's deep sense of longing and attachment to the land of our ancestors. This shared identity provides me with a unique lens to tell this story with authenticity, empathy and a personal interest in preserving our common heritage. The project aligns with my mission to highlight lesser known stories and bring marginalised communities to the forefront. I believe that by documenting this story, I can help raise awareness of the struggles of the Crimean Tatars and the wider implications of geopolitical conflict. As a Crimean Tatar, I have a deep understanding of the emotions, values and struggles at the heart of this story. My own family history reflects the themes of displacement and longing explored in the short film. My academic background in sociology and history, combined with my experience in short film filmmaking, allows me to approach this project with both intellectual rigour and artistic sensitivity. My previous works, such as 'Şerife Bacı' and 'Silk Road Treasures', demonstrate my ability to tackle complex cultural and historical issues with nuance and care. This project is in line with my ongoing commitment to giving voice to underrepresented communities and preserving cultural narratives through cinema. The short film will combine personal storytelling with visually compelling scenes of everyday life, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of displacement and cultural loss.