Turkish Sci-Fi ‘Once Upon a Time in the Future: 2121’ Promo Trailer
by Alex Billington
November 3, 2023
Source: YouTube
“She is a rebel now.” A festival promo trailer has debuted for a Turkish indie sci-fi film called Once Upon a Time in the Future: 2121, which is still showing on the fest circuit now after premiering last year. It’s actually a major achievement – this is the first sci-fi feature film made by a woman in Turkey, and it’s also apparently Turkey’s first sustainable film. Set in the future when Earth is uninhabitable due to climate crisis & famine. The few survivors form colonies and live in underground blocks. According to “The Scarcity Laws” of the Young Administration which controls this system, old generations must be destroyed in exchange for new lives. The life of a family that lives in one of the blocks is changed by a new baby they are expecting. A fascinating modern Turkish mashup between Silo and Logan’s Run – or so it seems. Starring Selen Öztürk, Çagdas Onur Öztürk, Sukeyna Kiliç, and Ayseniil Samlioglu. This does look like a witty & clever take on the stuck-underground sci-fi concept, with some Turkish sensibilities that make it unique. Worth a look.
Here’s the first trailer for Serpil Altin’s Once Upon a Time in the Future: 2121, from YouTube:
In the not-too-distant future of the year 2121, the earth has become uninhabitable due to climate crises and famine. The few survivors have formed colonies and started to live in underground blocks. According to “The Scarcity Laws” of the hilariously zealous & dictatorial Young Administration that controls this highly regulated system, old generations must be destroyed in exchange for new lives to keep the status quo of the population & their meager food stores in control. The life of a family in one of the blocks is changed by the imminent arrival of a baby they are expecting. On the surface a seemingly bleak tale that’s surprisingly funny at times with a hopeful nod to the resilience of humankind. Once Upon a Time in the Future: 2121, also known as Bir Zamanlar Gelecek: 2121, is directed by the Turkish filmmaker Serpil Altin, making her feature directorial debut after a few other short films. The screenplay is written by Serpil Altin and Korhan Ugur. Produced by Serpil Altin and Korhan Ugur. It premiered at the 2022 Adana Film Festival in Turkey, and won Best Film at the 2023 London Sci-Fi Film Fest. No release dates are set yet – stay tuned for updates.
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