The Eternal Flame

“Eternal Flame” 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 documentary is an emotional and inspiring journey about belonging and the struggle to connect with the past.

  • Tunç Boran
    Director
  • Tunç Boran
    Writer
  • Tunç Boran
    Producer
  • Naci Konar
    Key Cast
    "Naci Konar"
  • Sultan Konar
    Key Cast
    "Sultan Konar"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Sönmeyen Ateş
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    31 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Türkiye
  • Country of Filming:
    Türkiye
  • Language:
    Tatar
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
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

Throughout history, the Crimean Tatars have been an oppressed people struggling with migration, exile and the threat of cultural extinction. This documentary, the first to be shot entirely in Tatar in Turkey, reveals their deep longing for Crimea and their efforts to preserve their ties to the past. Given the opportunity to be heard in their own language, the Crimean Tatars allow us to understand their search for belonging and identity, while shedding light on a disappearing culture. This documentary is a historical and emotional bridge that tells not only the story of one people, but also the universal struggles of humanity.