The film “Hive” by Kosovo director Blerta Basholli, made history at Sundance Film Festival 2021 for the country on Tuesday, by winning three awards, the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize, the Directing Award and the Audience Award.
“To be awarded by my favorite festival has an importance I can not describe. I want to share these awards with my whole team, actors and especially with Fahrije Hoti which I hold in my heard since the first moment I have met her and which is an example for all of us,” Basholli said through a video message receiving the award of best director.
“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.
While receiving the Grand Jury Prize, the producer Yll Uka said that it is a big honor to be awarded for a great job done by everyone.
“We want to dedicate this award too our lovely and beautiful country,” he said.
When selected by the festival, Basholli said “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”.
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, Kumrije Hoxha, Aurita Agushi, Kaona Sylejmani, Mal Noah Safçiu, Adriana Matoshi, Astri Kabashi, Molikë Maxhuni, Blerta Ismaili, Valire Haxhijaj Zeneli, Armend Smajli, Ilir Prapashtica, Xhejlane Terbunja, Shkelqim Islami etc.
