Deep Dive: Once Upon a Time (2014)
Film Lens

Once Upon a Time follows a Kurdish family from Gaziantep who migrate annually to work on farms near Ankara. The film presents their life as seasonal laborers, showcasing the difficulties and monotony of their work. The narrative shifts when the eldest son falls in love, introducing a personal and emotional dimension to their otherwise thankless existence.
The film, directed by Kazım Öz and running for 82 minutes, captures the essence of Kurdish culture through the family's experiences. It contrasts the harsh realities of migrant farm work with the complexities of love and family dynamics, providing a nuanced perspective on their lives.
Why Watch
- •Follow a Kurdish family's seasonal work in Turkey.
- •Meet the eldest son who falls in love amid labor.
- •See the realities of migrant farmworkers in Anatolia.
Did You Know
•The film features a Kurdish family from Gaziantep working near Ankara.
•Kazım Öz directed the film, which was released in 2014.
•The film has a runtime of 82 minutes.
Perfect For
Kurdish culture enthusiastsMigrant labor studiesTurkish cinema fans