There is not a single style, story line or structure that defines the struggles of these characters. Struggle and suffering is what connects them. War, patriarchy and mental health are at the basis of these stories. It seems like this triangle is what also connects the struggles of the artists themselves. They too have gone through this post war progressive transformation of the society.
Trying to set up an animation industry in a country with no animation tradition is as hard as it gets. Such is the case of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe. This fine selection of films represents some of the animated films produced from 2019 till 2022. These animators have been contributing to the creation of some of the most acclaimed films in Kosovar animation history. With their work they might have created a ripple effect. Which seems like one that will nudge the grounds.
Those Who Drown Cling to Foam
Urtina Hoxha, Kosovo, 4' 21'', 2020
The animation Those Who Drown Cling to Foam shows that war can be a solitary experience. Amidst bomb strikes, a woman has her daily battles for food and survival. She roams the empty cityscapes that are disappearing day in and out with each bomb that falls.
Mardhë
Flaka Kokolli, Kosovo, 4' 17'', 2021
Beti, a woman in her late forties, together with her family, is deported by Serbian security forces from her home in the capital of Kosovo to the border village of Bllacë. With war breaking out in 1999, her story of survival is stitched together as the world she knew disintegrates. The seemingly endless cycle of cruelty Beti endures on her journey to a safe haven becomes a collective story of survival.
N'korniz
Gezim Ramizi, Kosovo, 7' 8'', 2019
Agron struggles to understand that things around him will not change if he is not ready to change himself.
Shpija
Flaka Kokolli, Kosovo, 6' 44'', 2022
Home and comfort can often be found in things that shame, trap, and damage us. Leaving that home can be difficult, but having it as a poltergeist that follows you around proves to be even harder.
Kona
Shpat Morina, Kosovo, 5' 1'', 2021
Based on an old traditional wedding song, “Kona” (loosely translates to ‘henna’ and/or ‘mehndi’, the skin decoration tradition for weddings in numerous cultures) is commentary on what often is an unequal and abusive relationship between husband and wife. It specifically is about femicide from oppressive husbands, a phenomenon that often rears its head in our society.
The Magnet
Arvan Berisha, Kosovo, 6' 10'', 2022
The boy’s family is hypnotized by the screens of their phones. They do not talk, laugh or have any interest in anything other than the lights of their screens. The boy tries to get his family back by building a machine that will take away their hypnotic phones: A big magnet.
Anibar Animation Academy Productions
Anibar Kosovo, 15', 2018-2022
The productions of Anibar Animation Academy done throughout the years 2018-2022 as the first non-formal education program in Kosovo.
