07/08/2024
Following the quasi-martial combat of man in Opoja and Gora near Prizren, we see man preparing in ritualistic ways to confront each other. So for the preparation, the crowd is eccentric and excited, the figures resemble as if they have come out of the Albanian lore, and they rest while awaiting for the athletes to get ready, oil up and start to fight.
Around them the company of instrumentalists: beating drums and longing clarinets pave the way for the climax, for the excitements, and for sports being intertwined with entertainment.
This is not the first time the Experimental Ensemble of Lumbardhi together with Ilir Bajri join their forces to create a soundtrack for Sahatçiu’s documentary, as it is the third iteration of Lumbardhi Foundation together with Dokufest. First came “Prizreni, qyteti i burimeve dhe bukurisë” as an outstanding homage to the city itself, and with the peculiar story of a family of 117 people and now with Wrestlers.
This project speaks to the importance of not only music in films, but also creating spaces so these documentaries can find new audiences and having a space to be received in fresh ways. This multidisciplinary task leads the way on how to reinterpret traditions and invite younger generations to work with materials that depict ways of living, marking the traditions and costumes as an intrinsic part of how immensely surprising our culture can be.
The Experimental Ensemble of Lumbardhi together with the well-known composer, Ilir Bajri workshopped the soundtrack for nearly a week, as an experimental take creating another space to breathe for this documentary. They interpreted the newly composed piece at the Kino Bahçe scene, gathering numerous attendees as it is part of the special experiences planned for the festival this year.
The documentary playing on the background intimately followed up by the crew of young instrumentalists took a hold of the traditional and rhythmic speed of the story portrayed in the Wrestlers, while also creating space for an interconnected flow contrasting the decisiveness of the guitars, the emotionality of the piano and the timeless touch of the clarinets.
An experience to not be missed, while also extending an invitation to connect more with the documentary productions in Kosovo.
By: Blerina Kanxha
Photo: Tughan Anit
