Told from the perspective of two children, and in four parts which run parallel to seasons, KASABA describes relationships between members of a Turkish family in a small town. The first part is in a primary school where the family's 11 year old doughter is a pupil. It shows the social environment to which she has to adopt, and its difficulties. She faces with her feeling of shame and some merciless clues of life... The second part is in spring. We see the girl with her brother, who is four years younger, and their journey to the corn field where their family are waiting for them. As they pass through the countryside, they encounter the mysteries of nature and wildlife... In the third part the brother and sister witness the complexities and darkness of the adult world... The fourth part takes place at home. This is a tranquil sequence moving between reality and dream.

1998 Berlin Forum des Jungen Films
Caligari Prize

1998 Tokyo Film Festival
Tokyo Silver Prize

1998 Nantes Film Festival
Special Jury Prize

1998 Istanbul Film Festival
Fipresci Prize
Special Jury Prize

1999 Premier Plans Film Festival
 Special Jury Prize

1999 Cologne Film Festival
Best Film
Best Cinematography

«Nuri Bilge Ceylans Kasaba ist ein herausragender Debütfilm. Es ist ein weitschweifendes, aber vollkommenes Werk, in dem uns das Leben in einer ländlichen Kleinstadt durch die Augen der Kinder näher gebracht wird... Der leise, aber aufmerksame Film zeigt uns diese gewöhnlichen Menschen und wie sie versuchen, ihrem Leben einen Sinn zu geben. Er vergegenwärtigt uns den Alltag der Menschen und ihre Erwartungen, speziell in Bezug zu ihrer Nationalität und ihrem Platz in der Welt.» World Movie News

«A remarkable first feature from director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, "The Town" is a strikingly original, vibrantly sensitive look at an extended family living in a remote Turkish village.» Variety