The Eternal Flame (2024)

“The Eternal Flame” is a documentary film spoken entirely in Crimean Tatar. The film tells the story of Naci Konar, a Crimean Tatar whose ancestors migrated from Crimea to Türkiye approximately 120 years ago, and his longing for a homeland he has never seen.

The narrative is enriched with scenes from Naci’s everyday life. Activities such as repairing motorcycles, preparing göbete (a traditional Crimean Tatar dish), making wedding preparations, and sharing conversations with relatives offer a vivid portrayal of everyday Crimean Tatar life. The longing for the past is also expressed through Naci’s deep yearning for Crimea.

His desire to visit the village of Baksan in Crimea, his strong attachment to the land of his ancestors, and his wish to pass this sense of belonging on to future generations are among the central themes of the film. The documentary also highlights the importance of preserving the Crimean Tatar language, which is gradually disappearing, keeping cultural traditions alive, and maintaining family ties.

Naci’s longing for the natural beauty of Crimea and his dream of returning to the land of his ancestors form one of the emotional high points of the narrative. Through the sincere dialogues between the characters and its understated storytelling, the film offers viewers not only a story of migration and displacement but also a warm and intimate portrait of family life.