Kosova Film 'Dua' Premieres at Cannes, Echoes War Trauma

Blerta Basholli's second feature, 'Dua,' recently premiered at Cannes' Critics' Week, following her acclaimed Sundance winner 'Hive.' This coming-of-age drama is set in late 1990s Kosova during the war, centering on 13-year-old Dua. The film chronicles her navigation of daily violence and the challenges of adolescence while facing the prospect of leaving her country. Basholli stated the film is semi-autobiographical, drawing from her own wartime experiences and observations. The director aimed to focus on Dua's journey rather than the broader political complexities of the conflict.

Basholli cited films like 'Rosetta' and 'Fish Tank' as inspirations, emphasizing a naturalistic filming style with long takes and minimal directorial intrusion. She discovered lead actress Pinea Matoshi, who embodies Dua with understated intensity, after auditioning thousands of children in Prishtina. Yllka Gashi, who starred in 'Hive,' plays Dua's mother. The film is a Kosova/Switzerland/France co-production, with world sales handled by The Party Film Sales.

Basholli hopes 'Dua' reminds audiences that teenagers in conflict zones share universal dreams and aspirations, urging viewers to see them as human beings rather than distant victims. She reflected on Kosova's significant post-war changes, particularly women's roles, while acknowledging a continued need for societal evolution. The film's themes resonate deeply with current global conflicts, and Basholli offered a message of hope and resilience to young girls in war-torn regions, encouraging them to never give up on their dreams.