Edition 24: 1–9 August, 2025

Life is Elsewhere

Smajl

Germany
2015 — 45' / Color

1

Synopsis

In 1970, Kosovar Albanian Ismajl »Smajl« Hoxhaj only came to Germany to buy a tape recorder. But it is only now — more than 40 years later — that he left Germany to go back to Kosovo as a pensioner. In the meantime, he has bought many tape recorders, started a family and, as a political activist, fought passionately for the independence of Kosovo far from his actual home. The documentary tells the story of Smajl. A story of homesickness and home, of conflicts with his children and the dream of a patriot. It is the story of a migrant worker in Germany.

Director Biography

Philipp Majer, born 30.05.1982, is an independent filmmaker from Saarbrücken, Germany. He has a passion for authentic people and bizarre funny stories. His films are affectionate and have a strong cinematic look.

Director

Philipp Majer

Zymryte Hoxhaj

Producer

Zymryte Hoxhaj

Cinematographer

Philipp Majer

Editor

Philipp Majer

Sound

Datashock

Contact

Bunkhouse Filmmakers
Stengelstr. 8,
66117 Saarbrücken, Germany
+491632071475
[email protected]