Sundance’s triple winner “Hive” by Blerta Basholli, won the ‘1-2 Competition’ international competition prize in Varshawa’s festival, given to the directors for their first or second feature-length films.
At the same time, “Albanian Virgin” by Bujar Alimani and co-produced by Kosova, won the Jury Special Prize in the main category and Ecumenical Jury Prize.
“The Hill when the Lionesses Roar” was awarded with FIPRESCI prize, given by the International Federation of Film Critics, to the Eastern Europe directors for their first or second feature-length films.
Whereas, “Diplaced” film by Samir Karahoda won The Best Short-length Film Prize at the Short Film Festival in Cyprus.
“Every prize received is a sign of the hard work done by the whole team. The hospitality and experience at the Warsawa’s Film Festival was the greatest one and we are happy for the appraisement. We have a lot of things to do and many festivals ahead to attend”, said the director Basholli.
“For its capability of portraiting passion for sport, the redemption of a country and community aiming to give sence to their existence through a powerful narration, rigorous yet essential and touching story that becomes a deep reflection on human will”, declared the jury members at the Cyprus festival during the occasion of awardning the main prize to the “Displaced” film, by Samir Karahoda.
“Hive” is produced by Yll Uka, Valon Bajgora and Agon Uka; photography director Alex Bloom; editor Enis Saraçi and Félix Sandri; and co-producers Britta Rindelaub, Kristijan Burovski, Tomi Salkovski and Paskal Semini. The main role: Yllka Gashi, other roles: 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. “Hive” is a co-production of Kosovo, Switzerland, Albania and North Macedonia.
“Albanian Virgin” ia a co-production of Germany, Belgium, Albania and Kosovo. The film has co-producers Besnik Krapi from Kosovo; producers Anita Elsain and Lesley Bruce-Neary; and co-producers Tefta Bejko, Peter De Maegd, Tom Hameeuw and Simon Ofenloch.
Main characters: Rina Krasniqi, Gresa Pallaska, Alban Ukaj, Astrit Kabashi. Other roles are played by: Aurita Agushi, Shkurtë Sylejmani, Lum Veseli, Mimoza Azemi, Çun Lajçi, Blerta Syla, Valmir Krasniqi, Lurni Krasniqi, Blendi Sadiku, Rebeka Qena and Fatlume Bunjaku.
“The Hill when the Lionesses Roar” is a co-production between Kosovo and France, with Vaalbona Rrahmani producer and co-producer Pascal Judelewicz. Main roles are played by Flaka Latifi, Uratë Shabani, Era Balaj, Andi Bajgora and Luàna Bajrami.
“Dispalced” film team: Producer: Eroll Bilibani, Editor: Enis Saraci; Audio designer: Memli Kelmendi; Voice recorder: Gezim Rama; Main characters: Jeton Mazreku, Ermegan Kazazi and Rifat Rifati. The film is a production of the SK PICTURES film house.
Films are supported by Kosovo Cinematography Center.
