From: Die Morina van Uijtregt
‘Hive’ by Kosovo’s Blerta Basholli Selected at the Sundance Film Festival

The film “Hive” by Kosovo director Blerta Basholli, has been selected in the official competition at the Sundance Film Festival 2021.

It will have its world premiere at the Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

“Sundance is one of the most important festivals in the film industry in the world and I am very happy that after a long and tireless work of the whole team involved in all stages of the production of the HIVE, our work is being rewarded,” Basholli who also wrote the script, wrote on Facebook.

“Hive” is based on a true story of Fahrije Hoti who suffered during the Kosovo war, with her husband among missing persons. But with hard work, she survived a patriarchal mentality in a traditional village and became successful.

Basholli says that she was an inspiration and encouragement to continue working hard, “and as she says, to only look straight ahead”.

“I want this story to be heard because women from Kosova have always been strong and successful both in and after the wars, but unfortunately very little is mentioned,” Blerta Basholli said mentioning the opportunity for the story to be seen by a wide audience.

The film is a result of cooperation between Kosovo, Switzerland, North Macedonia and Albania.

Alongside main actress Yllka Gashi, other characters are played by Çun Lajçi , Aurita Agushi, Kumrije Hoxha, Adriana Matoshi and Kaona Sylejmani.