PriDocs, novelties in PriFest’s Documentary program

As is by now traditional, PriFest covers a broad spectrum of the world of documentary films through a program which includes films from England, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Tunisia, Ecuador and the USA. 1 International Premiere, 1 European Premiere and 3 Regional Premieres are part of the PriDocs program of the 10th edition of PriFest, which will be held from in 17-22 July in Prishtina.

The selected docs broaden the audience’s horizons through social themes which cover war, politics and the protection of love and the environment, as notions that break state boundaries and barriers. Through its variety, the program offers truly unique films, among which is “Mr.Gay Syria” from Turkey, a film which won the main prize for documentary films at Chicago International Film Festival and Sarajevo Film Festival.

An outstanding documentary by Ayse Toprak, “Mr.Gay Syria” provides a delicate critique against great authorities and bureaucracies which contribute to furthering the marginalization of their citizens. Moreover, the film transmits the joy and battles experienced by a very misinterpreted community, through heartfelt and empathetic humor.

Just as notable in the program is “Man Made” from the United States of America. The film will have its international premiere at the tenth anniversary of PriFest.

The films that comprise the program are:

1. Arcadia (Great Britain), Kosovar Premiere
2. The last tape (Germany), Kosovar Premiere
3. The unity of Birds (Argentina, Mexico), Regional Premiere
4. Mr. Gay Syria (Turkey), Kosovar Premiere
5. Upon the Shadow (Tunisia), Kosovar Premiere
6. Burkinabè Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso (USA, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso), Regional Premiere
7. Nothing is Forgiven (Belgium), Regional Premiere
8. The Kitman (Ecuador), European Premiere
9. Man Made (USA), International Premiere

From the 17th to the 22nd of July, PriFest will screen films at the National Theatre (two halls), the Open Air Cinema at Zahir Pajaziti Square, and our new venue, Kino Armata. More info to follow regarding tickets.

As in past editions, PriFest offers an All in One Card, which costs 10 euros and enables you to see all films. Contact [email protected] or call the festival offices (+38343714944) for more information.

In the following weeks, the biggest festival in the country will publish more information regarding its 10th edition, so set the date and prepare for a week full of films, debates and other activities that will make Prishtina the place to be this July.

 

“ARCADIA”

Arcadia - Paul Wright

From the earliest days of movie-making to the present day, through rare and unseen footage, we see the changing relationship the British have with their land. From images of local celebrations and festivals to agricultural practices through the seasons, village life and lost crafts.

Arcadia - Paul Wright / 1h 18 min / UK , 2017

 

"THE LAST TAPE"

The Last Tape - Cyprien Clément-Delmas, Igor Kosenko

As Artiom prepares to fight for the Ukrainian army, Anatoly, his 88-year-old grandfather and war veteran, records their diminishing time together and questions his choice.

The Last Tape - Cyprien Clément-Delmas, Igor Kosenko / 12 min / Germany, 2017

 

"THE UNITY OF BIRDS"

The Unity of Birds - Cruz Lisandro Morena

Central American people coexist in the most populated migration channel around the world, trespassing through Mexico and the United States. Their map is their own body.

Cartography of a migrating body. To a migrating body, a cartography. Draw a map for our own body, our body that travels. A map that reveals our own battles, the so many battles. To walk round the blood, to the land that is no longer our rooth. A map that reveals the slave's hands we are, which sosteins without. Even knowing, what which of the many empires. A map that stops exiling us, a map that welcome us and no longer expulse us.

Cruz Lisandro Morena / 29 min / Argentina, Mexico 2017

"MR.GAY SYRIA"

 

Mr.Gay Syria - Ayse Toprak

Mr. Gay Syria follows two gay Syrian refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives. Husein is a barber in Istanbul, living a double life between his conservative family and his gay identity. Mahmoud is the founder of Syria's LGBTI movement and is a refugee in Berlin. What brings them together is a dream: to participate in an international beauty contest as an escape from their trapped lives and an answer to their invisibility. Will the dream come true or will the refugee crisis and the harsh consequences of being gay in the Muslim world shatter it to pieces?

Mr.Gay Syria - Ayse Toprak / 1h 25 min / Turkey, 2017

 

“UPON THE SHADOW”

Upon the Shadow - Nada Mezni Hafaiedh

We discover the mysterious side of Amina Sboui and her daily life. Her friends of the LGBT community, who live at her home, have been rejected by their families and society. Through Amina, we dive deep into the stories of Sandra (transvestite), Ramy (gay), Ayoub (gay), Atef (gay and transvestite). Many unexpected events keep coming, and they are all recorded…

Upon the Shadow - Nada Mezni Hafaiedh / 1h 20 min / Tunisia 2017

 

“ Burkinabè Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso”

Burkinabè Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso - Iara Lee

Burkinabè Rising, a new documentary from Cultures of Resistance Films, showcases creative nonviolent resistance in Burkina Faso. A small, landlocked country in West Africa, Burkina Faso is home to a vibrant community of artists and engaged citizens, who provide an example of the type of political change that can be achieved when people come together. It is an inspiration, not only to the rest of Africa but also to the rest of the world.

Burkinabè Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso - Iara Lee / 72 min / USA, Belgium, Burkina Faso

 

"NOTHING IS FORGIVEN"

Nothing is Forgiven - Vincent Coen, Guillaume Vandenberghe

Shot over five years, ‘Nothing is Forgiven’ tells the story of how Zineb El Rhazoui, a Moroccan activist and journalist, became the most protected woman in France.When the Arab Spring turns into the Islamist Autumn, Zineb decides to leave Morocco. Unable to find work and fearing for her safety, she moves to Paris. There she finds a new professional family at Charlie Hebdo. For the first time in her career, she can work in uncensored freedom amongst kindred souls. But then, on the 7th of January 2015, her newfound happiness is shot down. As by wonder she is not present when the terrorists come and kill her friends and colleagues. From that day on she is under constant police protection. Shocked at first, she quickly decides to make a stand against terrorism, and becomes a public figure speaking out against radical Islam. But then she gets pregnant and her outlook on the future changes drastically. How to build a life under these conditions? What will the life of her baby girl look like surrounded by bodyguards?

This film follows Zineb before, during and after the attacks on the famous satirical magazine. An intimate portrait of someone who had to pay greatly for fighting for her beliefs.

Her opponents haven’t forgiven her.

Nothing is Forgiven - Vincent Coen , Guillaume Vandenberghe / 1h 1 min / Belgium, France 2017

 

"THE KITMAN"

The Kitman - Andres Cornejo

Mario Alcocer, known as Junior Toral, works as kit man for the Ecuadorian football team Independiente del Valle during the final phase of the Liberators Cup. Below the surface, Junior is both a dedicated worker and a passionate fan. He follows the team through hotels, fields, and stadiums, filling in the solitary spaces of the football world, the shadows where some of the most important protagonists of sport do their work.

The Kitman - Andres Cornejo / 25 min / Ecuador, 2017

 

Man Made - T Cooper , Marvin Hayes

MAN MADE takes us into the heart of transgender male (FTM) culture, revealing unexpected truths about gender, masculinity, humanity and love. Four trans men (who like the film's director were born and raised female), take different paths in life, but they all meet on stage at Trans FitCon, the only all-transgender bodybuilding competition in the world (held in Atlanta, GA). MAN MADE is a character-driven, intimate, and riveting verité-style competition film, but also a unique social justice narrative. It speaks about the ways in which we all choose to define and reshape ourselves, both figuratively and literally.

The strength on display in MAN MADE transcends the physical: Rese is a young father struggling with periods of homelessness; Dominic seeks out his family of origin, confronting an alternate history for himself; Kennie admits to himself and his loved ones who he is for the first time in his life; and Mason, a loving husband who struggles with mental illness, works daily to be the man he's always wanted to be - on the inside and out. We follow these subjects' emotional and physical journeys as they navigate lives, as the men they are, despite the very real risks inherent in the current social and political climate. For the men of MAN MADE, it's not about winning—it's about being seen.

Man Made - T Cooper / 1h 38 min / USA, 2018