KUKUMI – (Kukumi)
Color, 107 min, 2005, Drama; Kosovo/UN
In Albanian with English sub-titles

Director: Isa Qosja
Writers: Mehmet Kraja, Isa Qosja
Producer: Gani Mehmetaj
Production company: Kosova Film
Cinematographer: Menduh Nushi
Music: Naim Krasniqi
Cast: Luan Jaha, Anisa Ismaili, Donat Qosja

Historically the first film to fly the label of Kosovo, "Kukumi" is a metaphoric tale about three inmates from a mental asylum who wander through the countryside alongside rumbling NATO tanks in post-1999 Kosovo. Sweeping vistas slowly give way to gently comic at first, then more disturbing scenes of the three inmates confronted with a reality where the very notion of freedom is elusive. Gradually this conflict roughens and with it degenerates the meaning of freedom.

 

Awards
Special Jury Award, Sarajevo Film Festival, 2005
Regione del Veneto Award, Venice Film Festival, 2005
Nisi Masa Award, Sofia International Film Festival, 2006
Best Film, Albania Film Festival, 2006
Best Director, Albania Film Festival, 2006
Best Feature Film/Drama, Spokane International Film Festival, 2007

Director Isa Qosja
A painter with a background in short films and documentaries, Qosja marks his third feature with this film. He was born in Vuthaj, Montenegro and later studied Acting at the School of Dramatic Arts in Pristina, and Film and TV Direction at the Film Academy in Belgrade.

Filmography
Poseta u Noci, short, 1978
Klub Samoubica, short, 1978
Kur Pranvera Xhirohet, short documentary, 1979
Drug Tito Ljubljana, short documentary, 1980
Proka, feature, 1984
The Guard of the Frog, feature, 1988

DVD Source:
Film Center
Prishtina, Kosovo/UN