Quran-inspired Turkey film ‘Grain’ wins grand prix at Tokyo fest

Turkey film ‘Grain’ inspired by a chapter from the Holy Quran has snagged grand prix at the 2017 Tokyo International Film Festival.

The film was directed by Semih Kaplanoglu, who also wrote and produced the monochrome, dystopian sci-fi tale of a man's quest to find grain in order to save humankind.

Besides crowing at the Tokyo International Film Festival on November 3, the film won USD 50,000 for his director.

“Grain' is partly an allegorical treatment of 29 verses in the Quran,” a review of the film notes.

"It is a post-apocalyptic story set in a world where those that survive, are divided between the remnants of cities and agricultural zones," a brief synopsis about the film read.

At the closing ceremony in Tokyo, Kaplanoglu said he worked on his flick for about five years.

"Every minute we live in, causes a wound to the world. Extreme consumption, extreme capitalism," the 54-year-old director was quoted by media as saying, adding, "As a director, I tried to make this film as a respect to the earth, the deeds, and the creation.”

The 30th Tokyo International Film Festival wrapped Friday with a closing ceremony centered around award-winning films and speeches that celebrated international communication and the hope for a brighter, greener future.

AG/AG