The feature film from Kosovo, 'Hive' directed by Blerta Basholli made history today by wining the three main awards of the Sundance Film Festival: Best Film (the Grand Jury Prize), Best Director, and the Audience Award of the largest independent film festival in the US.
"Being rewarded by my favorite festival means the world to me. I want to share these awards with the whole team, the actors, and especially with Fahrije Hoti, whom I hold in my heart from the first moment I met, and whom I thank for being an example for all of us" said Blerta through a video message on the occasion of receiving the award for Best Director.
"We have worked hard and long to bring this film to you, the audience, and we are very honored that you rewarded us"; "We want to dedicate this award to our beloved and beautiful country, Kosovo." said Yll Uka, the film producer on the occasion of receiving the Audience Award and the Best Film Award (Grand Jury Prize).
'Zgjoi' is inspired by the true story of Fahrije (interpreted by Yllka Gashi) from Krusha e Madhe. While searching for her husband lost during the war, Fahrije challenges the conservative townspeople, who are steadfast on traditional roles and patriarchal expectations. She disregards insults, gossip, and even physical attacks to empower a community of women to be self-reliant and independent in order to survive together.
Main role is played by Yllka Gashi, while in the other roles are: Çun Lajçi, Kumrije Hoxha, Aurita Agushi, Kaona Sylejmani, Mal Noah Safçiu, Adriana Matoshi, Astri Kabashi, Molikë Maxhuni, Blerta Ismaili, Valire Haxhijaj Zeneli, Armend Smajli, Ilir Prapashtica Xhejlane Terbunja, Shkelqim Islami etc.; with producer Yll Uka, director of photography Alex Bloom, editor Edis Saraçi and Félix Sandri, and co-producers Valon Bajgora, Agon Uka, Britta Rindelaub, Kristijan Burovski, Tomi Salkovski, and Paskal Semini.
"Zgjoi" is a co-production between Kosovo, Switzerland, Albania and Northern Macedonia, supported by the Kosovo Cinematography Center, the Federal Office for Culture FOC and Cinéforom (Switzerland), the Film Agency of Northern Macedonia and the National Cinematography Center of Albania, produced by Industry Film and Ikonë Studio with co-production by Alva Film Production, Black Cat Production, AlbaSky, Swiss National TV, and with LevelK as the global sales agency.
