The Piano

Director: Jane Campion 
Cast: Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin 
New Zealand, Australia, France, 1993, 120', DCP, color 
English with Turkish subtitles 

Set in the mid-19th century, The Piano begins with the journey of Ada McGrath, a mute woman, and her daughter Flora as they travel to the wild, untamed landscapes of New Zealand. Forced to leave her home in Scotland for an arranged marriage imposed by her family, Ada finds herself bound to her new husband, Alistair Stewart, a cold and authoritarian man.  

However, Ada's most profound form of expression comes not through words but music—her piano is her voice. Yet, Alistair abandoned this precious instrument on the beach and eventually took possession of their neighbour, George Baines. Sensing Ada's profound connection to the piano, Baines proposes a deal: each note, each keystroke becomes a negotiation, an intimacy, a search for freedom. 

With its evocative atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and haunting score, Jane Campion crafts a poignant story of awakening in this epic film. The Piano made history at the Cannes Film Festival, where Campion became the first female director to win the Palme d'Or. Nominated for five Academy Awards, the film earned Holly Hunter the Best Actress Oscar. At the same time, at just 11 years old, Anna Paquin won Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the youngest Oscar winners ever.