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Film Archive

Hive

Horizons 2021 / Zgjoi / Kosovo, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Albania 2021

Like many women in Kosovo, Fahrije is hoping for any news that would shed light on what happened to her husband. Widows aren’t supposed to work, yet times are hard and she is forced to defy the judgement of her community. She starts up a successful business producing ajvar with other widows and, despite initial opposition from their families, as working women they are now able to appreciate their sense of self-worth. The film won the hearts of both the audience and the jury at this year’s Sundance festival.

Hive Hive

Synopsis

Like many women in Kosovo, Fahrije is hoping for any news about her husband, still missing seven years after the war. Widows are not expected to work, however, she has to provide for her family and conservative public opinion is the last thing on her mind. The determined heroine gets together with other widows to start up a business making ajvar which they supply to a supermarket, although just having the nerve to drive a car is deplored by the community. Despite initial opposition from their families, as working women they are now able to find their sense of freedom and self-worth. Yet their lost husbands and sons are always in their thoughts. The film was inspired by the true story of Fahrije Hoti and in international competition at Sundance it won the Grand Jury Prize, the Directing Award and the Audience Award.

Vít Kořínek

About the film

84 min / Color, DCP

Director Blerta Basholli / Screenplay Blerta Basholli / Dir. of Photography Alexander Bloom / Music Julien Painot / Editor Félix Sandri, Enis Saraçi / Producer Yll Uka, Valon Bajgora, Agon Uka / Production Ikonë Studio, Industria Film / Coproduction Alva Film Production, Black Cat Production, Albasky Film / Cast Yllka Gashi, Çun Lajçi, Aurita Agushi, Kumrije Hoxha, Adriana Matoshi, Kaona Sylejmani, Ilir Prapashtica, Astri Kabashi, Molikë Maxhuni, Blerta Ismaili / Sales LevelK

About the director

Blerta Basholli

Blerta Basholli. Filmography: Mirror, Mirror... (2006, short doc.), Lena dhe Unë (2011, short), Hive (Zgjoi, 2021).

Contacts

LevelK
Gl. Kongevej 137 B, 3rd floor, 1850, Frederiksberg
Denmark
Phone: +45 201 085 80
E-mail: [email protected]

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