Zgjoi

The film is beautifully made, has a perfect pace, is well acted and tells not only the story of a woman in Kosovo, but one that can be applied to many women in the workplace or society around the globe. I truly hope the movie gets out to a larger audience while I had the chance to watch it at the Zurich Film Festival.

Based on the true story of Fahrije Hoti & other widows residing in Krusha e Madhe during the 1999 Kosovo war, and the killings of village males by Serb forces. Afterwards males in the community tried to impose cultural traditional restrictions on female independence. But, Fahrije & other, mostly war widowed, women chose independence. One of which was starting their own business of making Krusha Ajvar, a red pepper spread, now sold in many countries.

In the United States, an old adage is "when god gives you lemons, you make lemonade." The notion of someone turning your curse into a blessing, or the US equivalent a successful product.

The Albanian tale, even if not for the particulars, is sadly a familiar one. The women in fact are twice victims, first of a massacre of their men...and then of the misogyny and confinement placed upon them by other remaining men.

The lead actress steadfastly carries her stoicism and her family, through the roughest of times. She looks a bit like Sandra Bullock but strong and severe. She and others do their best to help a town make it through the worst of times, again the tail is familiar but some how the movie. Injects enough local flavor, that it is impossible to root for Fahrije and her fellow queen bees.

And for Fahrije and her family, the young son - the torn daughter and especially the father-in-law, who struggles with physical and emotional injury but provides a key aspect of the caring male in world where few to none are left.

Side note : I'm not sure a man can ever be a feminist. But no doubt a real man can appreciate feminism in action.

Anyways, this almost feels like a documentary - as the story is based in a reality that surely left many reeling. And while product placement may be a bane for many movies, here the label is less important than what is inside.

Then again, isn't that always the case in ajvar and humans as well.

Totally worth seeing. The strength, hardship, tolerance, stubbornness and dignity, integrity of these women fighting for whatever little money, the main character struggling to put food on the table, and being labeled a traitor! It's outrageous how the men sitting in their cafes doing nothing don't accept her willingness to work, so hard! And her children growing up in this environment one day they'll understand the work their mother proudly soldiered on for them. Knowing full well her husband wasn't coming back. Damn the war, all the pointless killings of men women children, the old the young, the unborn, such love and care comes out in the end, for the power of love will eventually prevail...xx.

Kosovo's official entry to 2022's Oscars is amazing, authentic, emotional and powerful. Its true story is beautiful, interesting and well written. It beautifully tackles important topics like how hard it is to be a strong independent woman in a sexist patriarchal society, and to wait for those who are lost in the war. All portrayed in a beautifully simple, real and moving way. Cinematography is stunning. Lead performance is Oscar-worthy. It's one of the year's best international films.