The Canal (Kanal)

Kanal (The Canal) is a 1979 Turkish drama that marked director Erden Kıral's feature film debut. Written by İhsan Yüce, the screenplay draws on real events, building its story on the recollections of a man who once served as a district governor in the town of Kadirli.

The narrative follows a district governor who finds himself up against entrenched local interests and the difficult conditions of rural Anatolia while carrying out his duties. Tarık Akan takes the lead role of the governor, supported by a cast that includes Kamran Usluer, Tuncel Kurtiz and Necmettin Çobanoğlu.

The film earned recognition at domestic festivals and was also shown abroad, being entered into the 11th Moscow International Film Festival.