A Small September Issue (Film)

A Little September Matter is a feature-length romantic drama film that premiered in Türkiye in 2014. Kerem Deren wrote and directed the film. The lead roles are played by Farah Zeynep Abdullah and Engin Akyürek. The film explores the process by which a woman suffering from memory loss rediscovers her past.

Synopsis

The film centers on Eylül, a young woman who cannot remember the last month of her life following a car accident. The plot unfolds when she learns of a man named Tekin, whom she met and spent time with on the island of Bozcaada during that forgotten period. To recover her lost memories and understand the relationship she had in the past, Eylül returns to the island. The film portrays Eylül’s confrontation with the emotional memories she cannot recall.

Scene from A Little September Matter (IMDb)

Cast

• Farah Zeynep Abdullah – Eylül
• Engin Akyürek – Tekin
• Ceren Moray – Berrak
• Onur Tuna – Atıl
• Ege Aydan – Eylül’s Father
• Ebru Aykaç – Eylül’s Mother

Production

This film marks Kerem Deren’s debut as a feature film director. Deren was previously known for his work as a television screenwriter. The majority of the filming took place on the island of Bozcaada. The use of location serves as a key element in supporting the film’s emotional atmosphere. Nil Karaibrahimgil composed the song “Kanatlarım Var Ruhumda” specifically for the film, dedicated to the character of Eylül. During the composition process, Karaibrahimgil focused on Eylül’s psychological structure and dramatic function, creating an emotionally resonant piece that aligns with the film’s thematic framework. The song features a minimalist acoustic guitar arrangement, performed by Karaibrahimgil herself. Its music video was broadcast on television and music channels.

Thematic Structure

Themes of memory loss, love, loss, and confrontation take center stage. As Eylül rediscovers her past, the film emphasizes the passage of time, the role of place in memory, and the impact of emotional trauma. The narrative structure presents events from Eylül’s perspective through a fragmented timeline. Emotional conflicts between characters are directly linked to the individual’s memory and identity.

Budget and Box Office

The film was watched by a total of 519,265 viewers in Türkiye and generated 5,875,813 TL in revenue. It was released on 14 February 2014 and maintained steady box office performance throughout its theatrical run.

Awards and Nominations

A Little September Matter earned Farah Zeynep Abdullah a nomination for “Best Female Actor” at the 2015 Türkiye Youth Awards. Engin Akyürek was also nominated in the same ceremony for “Best Male Actor.” At the 2014 Ankara International Film Festival, Toygar Işıklı won the award for “Best Music.”