How Much Land Does A Man Need?

Short Film – HOW MUCH LAND DOES A MAN NEED? (In Development)
Written & Directed by Omer Yilmaz
Based on the story by Leo Tolstoy

“A MAN WHO, IN HIS LUST FOR LAND, FORFEITS EVERYTHING.”

In the heart-pounding saga of “How Much Land Does A Man Need?" journey with Tarrin Wayfarer, a bold Irish settler seeking his slice of the American dream.

When he encounters the generous Oglala Lakota Chief offering land beyond his wildest dreams, Tarrin embarks on a race against time. With the sun as his guide and a pocket watch as his only tether, Tarrin must traverse the vast expanse of promised land before nightfall or lose it all.

OUR APPROACH

In the story of Buffalo Calf Woman, two warriors emerge with differing perspectives on beauty. The first warrior sees beauty as a manifestation of truth and acts with respect, while the second sees beauty as something to own. The transnational adaptation of Tolstoy's classic allows us to be inspired by Lakota stories and brings these two perspectives forth. Our protagonist embodies the latter perspective, mirroring the chief and members of the Oglala Lakota Nation.

PROJECT

How Much Land Does A Man Need? is a fictional narrative short film based on Leo Tolstoy's story of the same name. The story, which was originally set in Russia between the nomadic Bashkir Turks and the peasant Pollock, has been reenvisioned to take place in 18th-century North America between the Lakota Oglala Nation and the Irish farmer Tarrin. Examining Tolstoy's classic through the lens of a different place and time, the new interpretation finds the fracture in mankind's perspective of the land they live with. The fracture we find in this perspective is the illusion that one can own the land rather than belonging. Therefore, the film deals with the themes of death, greed, and ownership.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

“I am fascinated by the rich complexity of human nature and societal dynamics. My passion is exploring fundamental problems that appear simple at first glance yet defy easy answers. Our film explores one of those fundamental questions: ‘Why do we become greedy?’

As occupants of this lovely earth, we face the task of coexisting peacefully with both one another and the nature. And we failed the task many times. The struggle to share resources evenly continues, leaving a legacy of bloodshed, misery, and oppression of the disadvantaged. Greed is at the heart of it all.

So I am forced to ask: ‘Why do we succumb to greed?’ I strive to rethink this age-old question by drawing on Tolstoy’s timeless wisdom and combining it with the narrative backdrop of a 18th-century settler in North America, as highlighted by the ethos of the Lakota heritage.”

DETAILS

Category: Narrative Short
Genre : Historical, Drama
Length: 15 minutes/18minutes
Language: English & Lakota
In: Color
Based on: Leo Tolstoy’s Short Story Of The Same Name

BACKED BY

MAHPIYA LUTA - formerly Red Cloud Indian School
ONE SPIRIT / TATANKA WATAKPE - Charging Buffalo Meat Processing Facility
TATANKA REZ TOURZ