After spending several years in and out of psychiatric hospitals, Akın realizes following his latest discharge that returning to his old life is no longer possible. He settles into his family home and, on the rare occasions he ventures outside, visits Istanbul’s monumental religious sites and spends time at the tombs of scholars. Seeking to make sense of what has happened to him, he turns to the idea of divine power. Yet these sacred monuments instead trigger in him an eerie state of ecstasy. As Akın loses contact with his true self, his mind becomes overtaken by another reality.

Known for his experimental documentaries, Gürcan Keltek foregrounds a formalist approach in his first narrative feature. With cinematography by Peter Zeitlinger, the award-winning director of photography for Werner Herzog’s films, and sound design featuring original music by Son of Philip, the film brings Istanbul to the screen in ways perhaps neverseen or heard before. Inspired by true stories, New Dawn Fades is a fantastical exploration of madness, faith, and the history of an ancient city.

Locarno 2024

Best Feature Boccalino d’Oro of the Independent Film Critics Award

İstanbul 2025

Golden Tulip - Best Director

Adana 2024

Best Film Score, Best Cinematography