The Albanian language film “Hive” breaks all records and enters the Oscar nominations. Hive; a true story is simply a message of courage and resilience. A woman who single-handedly stars a new business after the Kosovo war is an inspiration for many.
In January we saw Blerta Basholli all cheery because of getting into the Sundance Film Festival with her debut feature “Hive”. It was a shocker for all when the film reached unprecedented heights of popularity.
Not only did it become the very first film in Sundance history to win the top three awards in the world cinema competition, but also has a strong chance of entering into the Oscar nominations.
“Hive” is based on the true story of Fahrije Hoti who during the 1998-1999 war fled her town with her young children.
However, when she returned to her hometown a lot was ruined and changed, her husband was missing and most likely dead.
Nowhere to go and nothing to do, she was all alone with her children but a woman like her, would not give up this easy. So she along with other towns widows started a business.
These women started making ajvar and used to sell it in the town’s market.
Remarkably, her business is still operating in her small town of Kosovo.
Blerta came across Fahrijes when she was still doing her MFA from New York University. She knew then that there would be a film on this story.
She wanted Yallka Gashi, a well-known actor in Kosovo to star. Blerta and Yallka met Fehrijes and got to know more about her. They were then determined to make a film.
“Before meeting her, I was a customer,” Gashi said from her home in Connecticut. “I was impressed how she came up with this idea because making ajvar is a traditional thing for Albanian women, especially women of our mother’s generation.
She was so smart to use this skill, this very practical skill, and to turn it into a business. From the very first time that we sat with her and we heard her story, I just fell in love with her.
She has this dignity and this grace that amazes you even though she has been through so much and went through so much pain and grief and uncertainty, she still is this gracious, strong woman that inspires you.”
The movie continues to inspire a lot of people and will always mesmerize its viewers.
