03/08/2024
I was told I had hit the jackpot. American for “I got lucky.” I had heard of Kosovo, and seen it on the map, but that was all I knew about it. One of the youngest countries in the world, a friend of the USA in the heart of the Balkans. I volunteered for the US Peace Corps in the summer of 2023, and was sent to volunteer in Kosovo in October. I will be here for 2 years.
My name is Scott Hoy, and after arriving in Pristina and undergoing training, I was sent to Prizren and assigned to volunteer with DokuFest. So are DokuFest and Prizren good luck, or what? I would agree! Of all the places in the world I could have gone, I must say I can’t imagine a better place. Prizren the historic, bustling, picturesque city backdropped by the beautiful Sharri Mountains.
The more I have learned about DokuFest, the more impressed I am. DokuFest is a success story, a testament to the power of a dream, and what a small group of people can accomplish, if they only keep going and do not quit. Thinking it was only a 10 day festival, I wondered about the rest of the year. DokuFest is a year-round organization, training filmmakers and providing a platform for artists, impacting many lives, young and old, throughout Kosovo.
Since starting at DokuFest I have worked closely with Eroll Shporta, whose energy for life, Prizren and DokuFest is legend. He gave me the moniker “Friendly American” which is beginning to stick. I was welcomed to the DokuFest team by Linda and Veton, and given a job to do. For the festival, I will work with DokuStories to document the experiences and thoughts of filmmakers, producers and attendees. I will also talk with volunteers, staff and visitors who will experience and live the festival, some for the first time, just like me.
I will try to add a few of my own brushstrokes to this living work of art, DokuFest. To make the most of my serendipity, unexpected good luck. If you see me and want your story told, talk to me. I’ll be around, trying to live up to my nickname Friendly American. You will find I am nga Amerika, nga Kansasi (from Kansas, USA) and “nuk flas shqip shumë mirë” (I don’t speak Albanian very well). I speak in Albanian slogans only, and even those I twist beyond recognition. So if you love a good laugh, get me to speak Albanian! Shpresoj t'ju shoh atje (Hope to see you there)!
By: Scott Hoy
Photo: Furkan Çelik
