On the Way to School

The film "On the Way to School" provides a deeply insightful look into the life of a Turkish teacher, who finds himself in an unfamiliar setting as he teaches the Turkish language to Kurdish children in a remote village within Turkey. This profoundly touching narrative explores the communication barriers between the teacher and his students - both unable to understand each other's native languages - while also highlighting the emotional isolation experienced by the teacher as an outsider in this community.As the camera captures their day-to-day experiences during a school year from September 2007 until June 2008, we witness the gradual changes that occur within this village due to the teacher's presence. The initial struggles of misunderstandings and miscommunication evolve into a sense of mutual understanding, as both the teacher and the children adapt and learn from each other.Through the lens of this poignant narrative, the film not only addresses cultural and linguistic divides but also highlights the power of education to bridge these gaps over time, leading to a profound transformation in the lives of the individuals involved. The film's honest portrayal of these interactions offers a unique perspective into the complexities of identity and assimilation within the context of Turkey's diverse cultural landscape.