Dry Summer: This is how we go out | Samet Eray Karakaş

Dry Summer: This is how we go out

Samet Eray Karakaş

Metin Erksan’s Dry Summer (1963) is one of the few Turkish movies that achieved international success. It is also one of the first movies that revolves around water shortages, a problem humanity is likely to experience even more in the future. I believe Dry Summer gives an insight into the times when oil wars are entirely replaced by wars for water.

The movie is set in the village of İzmir, Turkey. Knowing that the summer will be rather dry, Osman (Erol Taş) decides to hoard water on his lands – he builds a barrier in the canal to prevent water from flowing into other farmers’ lands. Unfortunately, the only water source used for irrigation springs from his territory. Without it, other farmers would not have a chance to work the land. They desperately appeal to law, but it turns out to be a futile attempt; the property and all it comprises belongs to Osman.

The situation is further complicated by Osman’s obsessive interest in his brother Hasan’s (Ulvi Doğan) beloved wife, Bahar (Hülya Koçyiğit). Blinded by greed, Osman wants the water and Bahar for himself. To this end, there is nothing he would not do, which makes him a truly memorable villain. Another reason for Osman’s unforgettable wickedness is Erol Taş’s brilliant acting; it is not surprising that he is renowned as one of the most well-known “bad guys” of Turkish cinema.

The imagery of the film constantly emphasises the title of the movie, as most of the scenes conjure up extreme temperatures. In one such scene, the farmers, after Osman cuts off the water supply, try to cultivate their lands among blazing VVVfires.

What is striking about this scene is its infernal visuals; the farmers look like tormented souls in hell. This atmosphere, which would be easier created through the use of vivid colours, is presented in black and white with such a skill that one can see the intensity of the fires and almost feel the heat. It comes as no surprise that Dry Summer won the Golden Bear award at the 14th Berlin International Film Festival in 1964.

Dry Summer is definitely worth watching because it is so relevant in today’s world. The way in which farmers resort to violence when there is no water supply to cultivate their lands is terrifying; given that there is a finite amount of water in the world, similar catastrophic incidents may arise in the future. Only then can we all empathise with Osman. After all, one of the reasons why he stops sharing his reserves is that he thinks the summer will be exceptionally dry; in other words, he has to save himself first. This motivation of Osman confronts partnership with the urge to survive amid scarce water resources. Considering climate change and global population growth, the issues Dry Summer explores may foreshadow the downfall of humanity.