09/08/2023

In the 11th year of the film training program “Future is Here” we proudly see the youth of Kosova grow through films and stories. There are many ways to tell a story, but nothing beats having a generation of talented directors on stage ready to start their careers. 
This year, eight films were screened and you can have a glimpse of the enticing and thoughtful visual narrations:

- Grandfather- A desk for each pupil directed by Hena Krasniqi

A short film reflecting on the aftermath of Albanian students being forcefully removed and prohibited to study in institutions in Kosova, while many found a way to replace the educational system and repurpose it by opening the doors of their houses so many generations could get an education. The grandfather of the director helped build the chairs and desk, to emulate the feeling of a classroom at a time and place of impossible conditions.

- “Now for every class” directed by Albulena Caka

Every teenager has their own stories of rebellion and escape and in Albulena’s film, these great rebellions comes with a price for a moment of peace. In secrecy and mystery. While we follow the conversation of the schoolgirls avoiding their classes, we enter their world of fun and hope, defying the rules and building friendships.

- “Ar-rhythmic “ directed by Albina Konjuhi and Jona Pireva

Following up on the history of a building used for educational purposes in Prishtina, we understand that a pharmacy assistant and a music student find it hard to pursue their academic aspiration in a place that cannot host both worlds. Still, they find a way to understand each other, and hopefully change for future generations, so they can study in proper classes.

- “Prey” directed by Lea Zekir

A journey through the depths and mysterious ways of how love can affect when it emulates an illusion. This film goes through the process of overthinking and routinely asking oneself how others perceive you or feel with the same rage and rhythm as you do. 
A monologue accompanies the surroundings, detached from reality, yet at the same time poking the process of overthinking right to its nerves. A metonymic prey, dissecting itself into many problems, while also trying to mend it in the aftermath.

- “Saudade” directed by Rrita Dani and Ruena Rogova

We wait for an encounter to happen between a son and a father. Following up the road to this meeting we delve into this bittersweet and meaningful relationship. Son and father talk rarely but every time they do it is a warm encounter. Yet, in the end, nostalgia dismantles reality and this relationship deals with the past and the present, while a poem unites the son and the father who is no longer here.

- “The Enchantress” directed by Olt Kastrati

Healing your inner child is a task to take seriously and one has to commit do so. The world of magic is not one to be judged or overlooked, but it is rather a process to connect with yourself and nature. The film explores the world of Tessi who finds healthy ways to embrace positivity and growth while presenting a modern look at what we could perceive as the relationship between humans and nature in a mythical time.

- “In Search of Beauty” directed by Hana Salihu

After wearing makeup for so long how does one do the opposite without feeling socially naked? Salihu explores the theme of beauty through makeup products, and how routines and habits can affect the way people see themselves and sometimes how others see them.

- “Please pick up” directed by Nea Zeka

Unfolding a relationship of two friends where one seems to be keen on saving her friend and the other is unresponsive. The addiction keeps one isolated and the other tries to ruminate over ways to save her friend, but the call is still on hold.

After the screening, the head of DokuLab, Eroll Bilibani, expressed his wish for the careers of these youngsters to glow in the future, while inviting one of the mentors of the program Leart Rama, a Future is Here alumni. Leart together with Blerta Zeqiri (and Dea Gjinovci who will follow up on the mentor’s role), trained and lead the way for these narratives to be told on screen.

It was an emotional night, to see the first imprints of these young filmmakers in the cinema, in their country, telling their own stories.

This program is supported by the National Endowment for Democracy to extend and empower educational courses on films for younger generations.

These films will be shown in different high schools in Kosovo to inspire and connect youth with and through filmmaking. If you are interested in finding out more about this program, keep an eye on DokuFest’s online presence about the procedure, application, and how to get involved in Future is Here.

By: Blerina Kanxha

Photo: Furkan Celik