The Heavy Burden 2019
In Yılmaz Özdil's poignant short drama The Heavy Burden (2019), a fragile life balance hinges on an unlikely partnership. Avdel scrapes by in Mardin, Turkey, relying on the meager wages from Bozo, his aging donkey who hauls waste through the city's sun-baked streets.
Director: Yılmaz Özdil
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Heavy Burden (2019) about?
Avdel's survival in Mardin depends on his loyal donkey Bozo, whose retirement forces him to confront harsh new realities. Meanwhile, his nephew Salih, a Syrian refugee, grapples with trauma and considers returning home, adding layers of emotional depth to this compact drama.
Who directed The Heavy Burden?
Yılmaz Özdil directed this 2019 short drama, known for his sensitive storytelling and focus on marginalized voices.
Who stars in The Heavy Burden?
Nazmi Kırık headlines the cast as Avdel, with Mehmet Ali Arpa, Engin Emre Değer, and Atiye Özdil rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Heavy Burden (2019) worth watching?
While IMDb hasn't rated it, this 17-minute drama excels in emotional authenticity and thematic depth for its genre. Its quiet intensity and unique premise make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven storytelling.
How long is The Heavy Burden?
The Heavy Burden runs for 17 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Heavy Burden (2019) — A Donkey, a Refugee, and the Quiet Weight of Survival
In Yılmaz Özdil's poignant short drama The Heavy Burden (2019), a fragile life balance hinges on an unlikely partnership. Avdel scrapes by in Mardin, Turkey, relying on the meager wages from Bozo, his aging donkey who hauls waste through the city's sun-baked streets. Their routine shatters when Bozo retires, forcing Avdel to seek a younger replacement while sheltering his nephew Salih, a Syrian refugee haunted by war. As Salih grapples with trauma, he reluctantly returns to Syria, leaving Avdel—and the audience—to ponder the weight of survival, displacement, and quiet resilience.
With earthy textures and a restrained emotional pulse, Özdil crafts a microcosm of human endurance, where dignity is measured in small sacrifices. The film's understated power lies in its everyday heroism, drawing audiences into a world where hope and hardship walk side by side, framed by the stark beauty of Mardin's ancient landscape.