02/08/2024
The XXIII edition of DokuFest is about to kick off tonight in Prizren. Everything is ready, and everyone is invited to participate in the numerous programs featuring films, music, events, and talks throughout the city.
This year’s theme is New Order: a reflection and reaction to the complex fabric of global events affecting life, the future, and our responses to these adversities.
Over the past week, Prizren has adopted a new rhythm of activity. People have come from near and far, stages are being set, projections are being tested, and volunteers in orange t-shirts are roaming the streets. Soundchecks are part of the daily routine as we await the festival's start.
The XXIII edition of DokuFest will explore themes of freedom, political, historical, and societal order through its diverse programs, special screenings, and carefully curated works by directors and storytellers.
Veton Nurkollari, Artistic Director of DokuFest, emphasizes the year-long effort to assemble a high-quality film program, but it is difficult to put into words the great work done over a long period of time leading up to this year’s festival.
"Even after 23 years, I have butterflies in my stomach, despite the fact that time has passed, the emotion is always there. Just like the butterfly that is part of the symbolism of DokuFest this year. We expect people to come to see movies, to listen to music, to come to Prizren”.
He emphasizes the rise of filmmakers in the Nationals and other categories.
“This year we have quality programs, very high quality in the category of Nationals, we have directors from Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, diaspora and what can I say, we have finally become filmmakers. It's one thing to take the camera and make a film and another thing to be a filmmaker, and this year we can say that not only for this category, but also for those who are in other categories. Also this year, in terms of programming, we have two programs, one with a focus on Palestine and the other with a focus on Ukraine, made by directors from their diasporas, but also by those who have witnessed the events in their countries. Focusing on Palestine, we will have a group of musicians from Palestine (47SOUL) performing the next day as well as a photo exhibition as part of DokuPhotos in collaboration with Docudays, by photographer Mykhaylo Palinchak, an exhibition which visitors they will be able to see it during the festival”.
Again, regarding the programming, the Artistic Director of DokuFest is enthusiastic about the quality of the documentaries that will be presented this year, emphasizing the importance of curated programs that are not in competition, such as the Then is Now program with a collection of documentaries that take us back in time to 1974 up to the present day, confronting us with what has happened to us over the past 50 years, highlighting that this program is curated by Eric Haynes (Senior Film Curator at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York).
Linda Lulla Gashi, the Executive Director of DokuFest, expresses excitement for the festival’s start and introduces some surprising news for the National category in competition. “Everything is set, and people from 94 countries will be coming to Prizren over the eight days of the festival. With 103 films in competition, audiences will have the opportunity to view numerous documentaries across many cinemas in Prizren. This year, the Kosovo Cinematography Centre will award an additional 2,000 euros to the winning documentary and present an award for the Best Newcomer debut in this category”.
Reflecting on the theme and the festival’s history, Eroll Bilibani, Head of Dokulab, invites everyone attending DokuFest in Prizren to explore new possibilities, open new conversations, and transcend disagreements. “As this year’s theme suggests, New Order reflects on the major global changes happening today. The opening invites everyone to discuss what we don’t usually address, to enjoy the festival, watch documentaries, and, most importantly, socialize. In our digital era, we must not lose sight of what makes us human”.
Over the years, DokuFest has expanded its program to include elaborate and well-curated film programs that address past and present issues affecting every aspect of daily life today. The festival not only welcomes audiences to the cinema but also to numerous talks, events, experimental sessions, exhibitions, and of course, DokuNights.
Nita Deda, one of the curators of this year’s music program, provides insight into what’s in store over the eight days:
“This year, the DokuNights program features a new format with three different stages. Curated by Leart Rama and myself, we will present a variety of musical moments in different parts of the city. The program begins on August 2nd with experimental Swiss musician Aïsha Devi at Kino Bahçe, followed by a performance by the Palestinian band 47SOUL. In the following days, Agona Shporta and Eljesa Beka will debut their albums, while experimental musicians like Aleksi Perälä and Actress will perform. Niksi and Tiran Wellemse will present a site-specific performance at Prizren’s castle on the Sonar cinema stage. Closing the program will be Orkestra Shkodra, bringing the traditional Shkodra songs to the stage.”
With an elaborate program and packed schedule, Dokufest remains the longest-running film festival in the country, welcoming a diverse audience from around the world and creating opportunities for younger generations and professionals to connect, gather, and collaborate.
Kicking off at Lumbardhi Bahçe with Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, we are set for an edition that will lead us to the cinemas with open hearts and full of love. Let’s get started!
