The film is about extraordinary people, who live around us. They are our people, one of us. The people who live on the coasts of Black Sea. They are so imaginative that they can see space among daily life. These people are the last defenders of their ancestors' customs.while you watching the documentary, Sometimes you think about your traditions, sometimes you dream what you can make for your daily needs, sometimes you laugh these pure people's innocence... the film is about 45 minutes, and I believe if you watch the documentary, you will love these curve nosed and the one who loves desirable talking...Just watch, and love it :)
8 Reviews
Smart people of mountains
selcukertaskin19 December 2015
Having seen the film last night , I would like to say that this film shows us that the strong and smart people of the Black Sea Region in Turkey are capable to make a living even the nature is playing against them.We see that there are ways of communication , transportation etc without damaging the nature.
The director of the film , Mr.Orhan Tekeoglu and the producer Mrs.Nurdan Tekeoglu lead us to the world of these smart people with an excellent usage of the actual camera based on a compact script.
The main characters of the film are telling us with their own words how happy they are , how they feel about living on the mountains of Black Sea Region which we admire at all the scenes of the film.
The director of the film , Mr.Orhan Tekeoglu and the producer Mrs.Nurdan Tekeoglu lead us to the world of these smart people with an excellent usage of the actual camera based on a compact script.
The main characters of the film are telling us with their own words how happy they are , how they feel about living on the mountains of Black Sea Region which we admire at all the scenes of the film.
"Extraordinary places create extraordinary people," is the overall theme in this strangely hypnotic tale set in the Black Sea region on the eastern coast of Turkey.
alstonelena29 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Sira Disi Insanlar (Extraordinary People) is a 45 minute-length documentary written and directed by Orhan Tekeoglu in 2015. "Extraordinary places create extraordinary people," is the overall theme in this strangely hypnotic tale set in the Black Sea region on the eastern coast of Turkey. Here beauty defies western notions of prosperity and the standard template for happiness is put to the test by a handful of locals' remarkable penchant for handicrafts. From revolving windmills and cable cars to 15th century whistling languages and huts hidden in hills, to seed banks and lethal cart races to festivals and beekeeping as a form of meditation, this is the sort of haven Tolkien only dreamt about. And the best part is it's all real. Every bit of it, from names to places to gizmos.
The camera crew follows mocha-coloured dirt tracks into the heart of lush green mountains to meet a handful of local inhabitants whose incredible lives are intertwined with Turkey's remarkable and often strenuous geography. As the camera glimpses steep hillsides dotted with workers hacking at crops and natural waterfalls cascading spring water, we cannot help but be mildly comforted by the fact that the rash of tourism facilities have yet to taint this moody and frankly beguiling mountain community. The connotation of our relief sets the tone for the piece, as tearing apart such an ecosystem is something the locals look upon with great disdain.
Truffle coloured huts and honey tinted settlements nestled in the armpit of a mossy green hill meet the eye. It is here that fifty-six year old Metin Akinci introduces himself, the first to step forwards with his most distinctive story. A pioneer of the local transport system, he cut his engineering teeth on the first cable car to carry people across the mountains, the construction of which was primarily his own. The view itself from the cable line is enough to give the audience vertigo as mist clings to the distant tree tops, hanging over the cable car as it descends, trailing the carriage with spider web-like spirals of dew. The POV zooms out abruptly, and we're struck by how much it looks as if the main carrier line might snap at a moment's notice. Despite the altitude and the risk involved, Metin's sense of humour is still very much intact, as he shows us the winter sign he erected outside his settlement. Altitude: 1000 metres. Population: 1. The project was influenced by the many aerial rope ways already lining the skies in the Black Sea region to transport material goods, an explicit portrayal of the community's commitment to put a hindrance on road construction. According to Metin, living surrounded by nature predetermines one's lifestyle for the better. Next we meet eighty-six year old Bilal Atatsoy, whose musical Turkish lilt sways us with talk of his house "Kaya Palas". Built on the side of a cliff, his bedroom hangs suspended over a vast drop. His days are occupied by revolving windmills which resemble ivy- coloured gazebos. The soft creaking and tingling bells of these contraptions signal his "existence" to neighbours across other hills and distant hills. Despite the rough-hewn features that age reaps across the elderly, he exudes a mellow tranquillity and dares any rich man to lead a happier lifestyle.
Then we discover a form of ancient communication which dates back to the 15th century, consisting of a series of whistles used from over five kilometres away. One family introduces their greenhouse, which is filled with seed banks of tomatoes, cabbages, peppers and beans, all for their own consumption. Here the director once again manages to capture a glimpse of this community's soul. It's all about sustainability: sustaining their grandparents' heritage, sustaining their rich culture, sustaining the environment and sustaining their own lifestyle without causing damage to their ecosystem.
Using sharp images to bring out the Black Sea's luscious natural colours and smooth camera angles which catch the locals at the peak of their natural meditative state, Sira Disi Insanlar explores the benefits of maintaining a close relationship with the locals' surrounding nature and wildlife, whilst unearthing the subtle but nonetheless touching social interaction amongst fellow neighbours. The transitions between camera shots and dialogue flow with synchronicity and coherence; the entire interview process between the characters has been edited out with expertise. The resulting effect is that the audience is left with only the essential information and none of the jagged questions which often jar with fluidity. The documentary explores a society very different to our own, its polar opposite in fact, which is able to fully function without relying on a Westernized idea of progression or being co-dependent on modern technology. Anyone interested in seeking out the beauty in non-fiction will enjoy analysing the need of man to build a cyclic ecosystem with nature; it's definitely one well-worth discovering.
The camera crew follows mocha-coloured dirt tracks into the heart of lush green mountains to meet a handful of local inhabitants whose incredible lives are intertwined with Turkey's remarkable and often strenuous geography. As the camera glimpses steep hillsides dotted with workers hacking at crops and natural waterfalls cascading spring water, we cannot help but be mildly comforted by the fact that the rash of tourism facilities have yet to taint this moody and frankly beguiling mountain community. The connotation of our relief sets the tone for the piece, as tearing apart such an ecosystem is something the locals look upon with great disdain.
Truffle coloured huts and honey tinted settlements nestled in the armpit of a mossy green hill meet the eye. It is here that fifty-six year old Metin Akinci introduces himself, the first to step forwards with his most distinctive story. A pioneer of the local transport system, he cut his engineering teeth on the first cable car to carry people across the mountains, the construction of which was primarily his own. The view itself from the cable line is enough to give the audience vertigo as mist clings to the distant tree tops, hanging over the cable car as it descends, trailing the carriage with spider web-like spirals of dew. The POV zooms out abruptly, and we're struck by how much it looks as if the main carrier line might snap at a moment's notice. Despite the altitude and the risk involved, Metin's sense of humour is still very much intact, as he shows us the winter sign he erected outside his settlement. Altitude: 1000 metres. Population: 1. The project was influenced by the many aerial rope ways already lining the skies in the Black Sea region to transport material goods, an explicit portrayal of the community's commitment to put a hindrance on road construction. According to Metin, living surrounded by nature predetermines one's lifestyle for the better. Next we meet eighty-six year old Bilal Atatsoy, whose musical Turkish lilt sways us with talk of his house "Kaya Palas". Built on the side of a cliff, his bedroom hangs suspended over a vast drop. His days are occupied by revolving windmills which resemble ivy- coloured gazebos. The soft creaking and tingling bells of these contraptions signal his "existence" to neighbours across other hills and distant hills. Despite the rough-hewn features that age reaps across the elderly, he exudes a mellow tranquillity and dares any rich man to lead a happier lifestyle.
Then we discover a form of ancient communication which dates back to the 15th century, consisting of a series of whistles used from over five kilometres away. One family introduces their greenhouse, which is filled with seed banks of tomatoes, cabbages, peppers and beans, all for their own consumption. Here the director once again manages to capture a glimpse of this community's soul. It's all about sustainability: sustaining their grandparents' heritage, sustaining their rich culture, sustaining the environment and sustaining their own lifestyle without causing damage to their ecosystem.
Using sharp images to bring out the Black Sea's luscious natural colours and smooth camera angles which catch the locals at the peak of their natural meditative state, Sira Disi Insanlar explores the benefits of maintaining a close relationship with the locals' surrounding nature and wildlife, whilst unearthing the subtle but nonetheless touching social interaction amongst fellow neighbours. The transitions between camera shots and dialogue flow with synchronicity and coherence; the entire interview process between the characters has been edited out with expertise. The resulting effect is that the audience is left with only the essential information and none of the jagged questions which often jar with fluidity. The documentary explores a society very different to our own, its polar opposite in fact, which is able to fully function without relying on a Westernized idea of progression or being co-dependent on modern technology. Anyone interested in seeking out the beauty in non-fiction will enjoy analysing the need of man to build a cyclic ecosystem with nature; it's definitely one well-worth discovering.
This rewarding documentary offers a sense of the past and shows how it echoes and lives on for people in the present. It is a beautiful and compelling film.
armscpa12 December 2015
High in the mountains of eastern Turkey a precarious cable car crosses a steep green valley. Whether they float on wires or rest on revolving platforms the people we are introduced to in this film are literally living on the edge.
Extraordinary People is a poignant film which uses striking landscapes as a framework to build a narrative structure that brings together fascinating characters and charming local customs.
Cinematographer Gorkem Ozok brings the wide mountain vistas to life with movement, as vehicles, aerial runways, windmills, dancers and go-carts all trace their patterns across the screen. Complementing the visuals, director Orhan Tekeoglu gives the characters time to express themselves and reflect on life at the fringe of western civilisation.
"Since the nature, the geography of this place is extraordinary, it is not surprising that the people who live here do extraordinary things."
These are serious people committed to local traditions and passionate about their culture. Their thoughtful commentary on life in eastern Turkey is a refreshing alternative to the hectic information overload we face in the west. The central character, Metin Akinci, who appears to be hiding away from the modern world, clearly has a deep affinity with the past and the old ways of living in the mountains. He is a mysterious man who has built his own aerial runway and lives alone in the mountains in winter.
Smooth editing and attractive images help to make this an absorbing film and although the pace is gentle, the characters and the costumes are captivating. Particularly the frail old philosopher, who lives on a cliff, in a homemade shack that could have been designed by Dr Seuss and looks like it might collapse at any moment.
After several absorbing and intimate portraits the director presents a couple of larger events, including a mountaintop festival. The soundtrack here is particularly effective and the local Horon music is accompanied by rhythmic folk dancing. The film swells gently to a charming crescendo as a rural village gathers to watch a group of daring young men ride their homemade go-carts in a dangerous downhill race.
Extraordinary People is a poignant film which uses striking landscapes as a framework to build a narrative structure that brings together fascinating characters and charming local customs.
Cinematographer Gorkem Ozok brings the wide mountain vistas to life with movement, as vehicles, aerial runways, windmills, dancers and go-carts all trace their patterns across the screen. Complementing the visuals, director Orhan Tekeoglu gives the characters time to express themselves and reflect on life at the fringe of western civilisation.
"Since the nature, the geography of this place is extraordinary, it is not surprising that the people who live here do extraordinary things."
These are serious people committed to local traditions and passionate about their culture. Their thoughtful commentary on life in eastern Turkey is a refreshing alternative to the hectic information overload we face in the west. The central character, Metin Akinci, who appears to be hiding away from the modern world, clearly has a deep affinity with the past and the old ways of living in the mountains. He is a mysterious man who has built his own aerial runway and lives alone in the mountains in winter.
Smooth editing and attractive images help to make this an absorbing film and although the pace is gentle, the characters and the costumes are captivating. Particularly the frail old philosopher, who lives on a cliff, in a homemade shack that could have been designed by Dr Seuss and looks like it might collapse at any moment.
After several absorbing and intimate portraits the director presents a couple of larger events, including a mountaintop festival. The soundtrack here is particularly effective and the local Horon music is accompanied by rhythmic folk dancing. The film swells gently to a charming crescendo as a rural village gathers to watch a group of daring young men ride their homemade go-carts in a dangerous downhill race.
The success of "Extraordinary People"
arzuagca21 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I watched the film "extraordinary people" last Friday. The film shows us the creativity, smartness and endurance of the people living in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. These extraordinary people proved that it is possible to live and to ease the life without DAMAGING the NATURE even in very difficult geographical conditions. I am very impressed hearing that these people are collecting different seeds to make organic agriculture. The communication skills of olden days far from modern technology are still used from these extraordinary people. The expression of the characters playing in the film have shown that they are very happy of living in this region. I congratulate the director of the film, Mr. Orhan Tekeoğlu and the producer Mrs. Nurdan Tekeoğlu.
Beautiful documentary
uotinenvisualarts30 November 2016
Very well done documentary! Beautiful pictures with good camera positions and fine editing. The documentary itself it's calm and smooth I like that very much. Only one note. I didn't get fast camera pan for landscapes. Those fast pans break the illusion a bit. To me camera pan is a human eye that pan the view or a tool track the motion. In this case it wasn't they eyes of the audience or tracking motion. I had a feeling that I want to look longer. It was too fast to admire the landscapes.
I watched first long version. I was thinking a bit at the begin that there is some air in the story. But at the end I didn't notice that anymore and I liked. I was thinking how would be a shorter version, because after all this worked so well. What you can cut way. I had already in my mind what I would be, but I was worried about it. Then I watched shorter version and I liked it even more. The shorter version run much more smoothly for my taste. It gives you interesting feeling about that life style. But both versions are beautiful! Beautiful stunning work! I hope that there would be more this kind of documentaries about human life styles!
I watched first long version. I was thinking a bit at the begin that there is some air in the story. But at the end I didn't notice that anymore and I liked. I was thinking how would be a shorter version, because after all this worked so well. What you can cut way. I had already in my mind what I would be, but I was worried about it. Then I watched shorter version and I liked it even more. The shorter version run much more smoothly for my taste. It gives you interesting feeling about that life style. But both versions are beautiful! Beautiful stunning work! I hope that there would be more this kind of documentaries about human life styles!
Sira Disi Insanlar (2015)
eferran-893213 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A modest and compelling documentary, created by Orhan Tekeoglu, carries us through the secret lives of some of the people living in the mountains at the eastern end of Turkey's Black Sea Coast. What we see is what we get; Tekeoglu has managed to capture an essence most charming of the curious lives of the inhabitants through a blend of storytelling and stunning footage of the mountains in which they live. Handmade cable cars, a whistling language, tin merry go rounds; there's much more than this in the humble lives of the people here, it's about preserving nature, finding happiness in what you have and most certainly 'all about the geography'- what a captivating and admirable documentary.
Extraordinary People 2015
aertuna9 January 2016
'Extraordinary People' is a pure representation of humanity, a hope for nature and an excitement of innovation. It is about extraordinary people in an extraordinary part of the world - The Black Sea region of Turkey.. You will find the 'people' and the 'nature' of the region. But above all you will find stories of people finding solutions for the challenges of tough nature and weather conditions of such a beautiful area. The documentary succeeds on touching the viewers hearts and bringing out the joy and happiness inside you in such a gentle way.. Although it is not sad at all, you will probably find tears in your eyes in the end and a fresh start for whatever you have been dreaming of..
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