Filmmaker Fatih Akin, known for his critically acclaimed works, recounted a dramatic rescue he and his team undertook during a location scouting trip. The incident, which occurred in North Dakota prior to the filming of “The Cut” involved saving an elderly couple from a flooded vehicle.
While researching locations in the flat, treeless landscape of North Dakota, Akin’s team inadvertently stumbled upon a low-lying area that had been inundated by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers. A car had become submerged in the resulting floodwater, leaving only the passenger side visible above the surface.
According to Akin’s account to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, the vehicle was stuck, its tires spinning uselessly and occupants clearly in distress. The rescue operation, undertaken in March amidst snow and without appropriate attire, involved wading barefoot into the frigid water. Inside the car they discovered an elderly couple, the man already partially submerged and severely hypothermic, his companion similarly affected.
The remote location presented a significant challenge in summoning aid. Akin’s assistant had to ascend a nearby hill to reach a location with cell service and alert the fire department. Upon arriving, emergency responders expressed astonishment at the situation, acknowledging that without Akin’s intervention, the couple would likely have perished.
The rescue was further complicated for Akin, who admitted to a phobia of dogs stemming from a previous biting incident. The couple’s vehicle contained a small dog and Akin experienced intense anxiety while rescuing the animal, fearing it would bite him despite its diminutive size.
Following the dramatic event, Akin maintained contact with the rescued couple for a period, receiving Christmas cards with religious messages of gratitude. However, contact has since ceased. The experience highlights a remarkable moment of human compassion and the unexpected ways filmmaking can intersect with profound acts of courage and kindness.