Historic achievement in Kosovo cinematography: “Z GJOI” by Blerta Bashall wins three main awards in Sundance

Artist film from Kosovo, directed by Blerta Bashall made history today by snatching the three main awards of Sundance Film Festival: Best film, best director, and the valuable public award of the biggest independent film festival in the US.

Rewarded by my favorite festival, it has unfathomable significance for me. I want to share these awards with all the teams, actors, and especially with Fahrije Hoti, which I have taken to heart since the first moment I met him, and which is an example for all of us” Blerta expressed through a video message in case of acceptance of the Best Director Award during the awards ceremony.

“We've worked hard and long to bring this film to you, the public, and we are very honored to have us rewarded”; “We wanted to dedicate this award to our beloved and beautiful country, Kosovo. The” said Yll Uka, film producer on the case of acceptance of the Public Prize and Best Film Award.

The election is inspired by the true history of Fahirije (interpreted by Ylka Gashi) by Krusha the Great, who in search of her husband missing during the war in Kosovo, begins an agricultural business to ensure family survival, in a traditional patriarchal environment where ambition to develop is not viewed with good looks.

The main role is Ylka Gashi, while in other roles plays Chun Lajchi, Cumrije Hoxha, Auria Aguashi, Kaona Sylejmani, Mal Noah Safciu, Adriana Matoshi, Astria Kabashi, Molique Maxhuni, Blerta Ismaili, Valire Zeneli, Armend Smajlici, Ilir Smajtica, Ilir Erbunja, Shrekümqi, Shreqajmoi; by producer Ylka Uka, Photo director Alex Bloom, Montzar Shirezé and Saralix, and Sandprodheon, Baygoon, Ribla, Burlin-Sani, Burman Salkalowski.

“Zelj “is a film co-production between Kosovo, Switzerland, Albania and Northern Macedonia, supported by the Kosovo Cinematographic Centre, the Federal Office for Culture FOC and Cinéforom (Switzerland), the North Macedonia Film Agency and the National Centre for Cinematographer (Albania), produced by the Studio and the Film Industry, co-production by Alva Film Production, Black Cat Production, AlbaSky, Swiss National, while the Global Sales TV has the rights of Level.