Monthly Archives: August 2013

Kosovar film “Kolona” wins the grand price at the Alipinale festival, Austria

Recent trends have proved that young Kosovars have a lot to offer to the global culture. Be that of intellectual value or strictly artistic, from Rita Ora to Ujkan Hysaj, Kosovars are slowly brining important contribution to the global Art community.

“Kolona” by the young Kosovar director/producer Ujkan Hysaj, has won the grand price, “Goldener Einhorn”, of the 28th short film festival „Alpinale Kurzfilmfestival”, at Nenzing, Austria, that has ended on Saturday. The price has a great value due to the competition that it produces where there have been 824 shown movies.
The festival jury, has rated the movie as superior in comparison with its competitors.
“The movie, superior to its competitors, has managed, from its initial seconds to produce constant tension”- claimed the jury. The main theme of the movie deals with the war in Kosovo, the swiftness of people when deciding upon issues towards the conflict.
The leading chair of the five people jury was the theater director Brigita Soraperra, also including other members such as Stefan Pohl, actor and producer, Thomas Taborsky, movie critic, and producers Felix Kalaivanan and Joan Sanchez Arroyo. All the jury members have expressed their enthusiasm towards “Kolona” albinfo.ch.
The festival motto this year has been “Short and Good”, referring to the short movie category. (R.M)

The original article was posted at Illyriapress webpage. Click here to read the original article.  

DOKUFEST: Prizren’s Annual Premiere Cinematic and Arts Festival

DOKUFEST, the International Documentary and Short Film Festival, is one of Kosovo’s most important cultural events. The festival brings filmmakers, directors, artists, and art lovers from all over the world to the beautiful city of Prizren each August. What makes DOKUFEST such an awesome experience? The weeklong celebration contains film screenings, workshops, photo exhibitions, camping, and concerts, all within a multicultural and friendly space. It is an unforgettable and charming event for those in attendance.

This year, DOKUFEST will take place from August 17-25. The organizers have stated that over 100 filmmakers from multiple different countries are expected to attend. “We are thrilled to present an expanded slate of competitions at DOKUFEST this year, with films that paint a picture of the contemporary world in a brave, provocative, and honest way. Films about bees, ships, a cat named Baby, Black Sea pirates, Balkan matchmakers, punk girls in balaclavas, and mass exodus are only part of an eclectic selection of films in competitions. We are looking forward to share these and other films with our audience in August,” said Veton Nurkollari, Artistic Director of DOKUFEST.

Participating films will be screened and divided in seven sections of competition: Balkan Dox, International Dox, Human Rights Dox, Green Dox, International Shorts, National, and Youth. Furthermore, there will be a number of special programmes to attend, ranging from local poverty to a cinematic journey throughout the Arab World.

If you are an artist or art-lover, fan of short and documentary films, interested in meeting other artists and art-lovers, listening to good music, seeing photography exhibitions and art workshops, and love camping, DOKUFEST is waiting for you. As a bonus, you will be able to Prizren, a well-known city of Ottoman Empire cultural heritage, as well as the newborn country of Kosovo.

For more information on the festival, visit the DOKUFEST Homepage here.

DOKUFEST: Prizren’s Annual Premiere Cinematic and Arts Festival

DOKUFEST, the International Documentary and Short Film Festival, is one of Kosovo’s most important cultural events. The festival brings filmmakers, directors, artists, and art lovers from all over the world to the beautiful city of Prizren each August. What makes DOKUFEST such an awesome experience? The weeklong celebration contains film screenings, workshops, photo exhibitions, camping, and concerts, all within a multicultural and friendly space. It is an unforgettable and charming event for those in attendance.

This year, DOKUFEST will take place from August 17-25. The organizers have stated that over 100 filmmakers from multiple different countries are expected to attend. “We are thrilled to present an expanded slate of competitions at DOKUFEST this year, with films that paint a picture of the contemporary world in a brave, provocative, and honest way. Films about bees, ships, a cat named Baby, Black Sea pirates, Balkan matchmakers, punk girls in balaclavas, and mass exodus are only part of an eclectic selection of films in competitions. We are looking forward to share these and other films with our audience in August,” said Veton Nurkollari, Artistic Director of DOKUFEST.

Participating films will be screened and divided in seven sections of competition: Balkan Dox, International Dox, Human Rights Dox, Green Dox, International Shorts, National, and Youth. Furthermore, there will be a number of special programmes to attend, ranging from local poverty to a cinematic journey throughout the Arab World.

If you are an artist or art-lover, fan of short and documentary films, interested in meeting other artists and art-lovers, listening to good music, seeing photography exhibitions and art workshops, and love camping, DOKUFEST is waiting for you. As a bonus, you will be able to Prizren, a well-known city of Ottoman Empire cultural heritage, as well as the newborn country of Kosovo.

For more information on the festival, visit the DOKUFEST Homepage here.

Across the Atlantic: Kosovo and Iowa form a bond

Opinion piece by Arielle Brown

Many who grew up in Iowa don’t understand why we as a country are interfering in the affairs of countries half way across the world, or how producing relationships with these other countries will affect one’s own economy. Many possibly do not even have an understanding of what the other country’s main assets are, or why we are so concerned with their well-being. Regardless of one’s perspectives on whether or not these concerns are justified, everyone discusses these issues.  These are some of the most fundamental issues, among others, that every person must question when analyzing and contemplating a relationship between countries.  In looking at the sister state partnership that Iowa has formed with Kosovo it is important in understanding many of these aspects.

When discussing the Iowa-Kosovo partnership, the historical importance of Kosovo’s declaration of independence was probably one of the biggest steps in establishing relations and a foundation for a future with foreign relations.  The United States had done well in recognizing the independence of Kosovo.  Iowa, becoming a sister state with Kosovo, leads to further opportunities.  The newly formed union between the State of Iowa and the Republic of Kosovo will do a great deal in improving the future of Kosovo economically.  A reason for this union being formed was not only for economic reasons, but also for security reasons.  Iowa has been assisting with peacekeeping missions since 2003, before Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008.  This relationship will allow for strengthening of young democracies and assisting with securing Kosovo’s ideologies that will benefit the nations as a whole.

There is a driving importance to continue the progress of these ongoing foreign relations.  They are imperative to the well-being, not only for us, but also for the well-being of the masses.  In fostering these new relationships it is an asset for the general public to have these international relationships, economically and via a military advantage.  It will assist in economic advantages by fostering a good faith between two countries that wouldn’t have necessarily been in place otherwise.  The military advantages that this relationship will produce derive from having easier access to not only Kosovo, but also countries near by.  The best way to try to understand the importance of fostering foreign relations is to first go by the historical relevance of one country’s relationship to another.  In this case the historical importance was the assistance that Iowa gave Kosovo.  That allowed for a more permanent relationship to be born out of good faith from past relations.  The future for these two parties may be uncertain, however if the past is a reflection of what is to come I see only good things that should come to pass for Kosovo and Iowa’s future partnership.

The benefit of having a relationship as a sister state with Kosovo is to establish broader relations on an international level.  Potential for a better military affiliations as well as trading could be helpful in the overall well being of both parties.  Iowa more specifically will benefit from the trading in agriculture, as well as the opportunities for business and industry.  Within the agricultural sector there will be an emphasis on the best ways to cultivate different fruits using more advanced methods of technology.  This will assist in expanding out market within the United States to a point that would be competitive on a global market.

Arielle Brown is a graduate of Wartburg College, where she studied Political Science.  She is currently a student of University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls, Iowa.  She is currently finishing out an internship with the United Nations Advocacy of San Diego, California

The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect Kosovo Diaspora’s editorial policy.

A Reception for the New European Championship U-18 MVP

Mr. Memli Krasniqi, the Kosovo Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, welcomed Kenan Spahiu to a reception in his honor. The young basketball phenomenon helped Turkey with the U-18 European Championship and clinched the MVP award of the tournament. The Prishtina native began his career in Kosovo but later moved to Turkey. Presently, he is a member of the Tofash squad in Turkey.

Minister Krasniqi congratulated Spahiu and his family on his success, adding that his whole home country of Kosovo shared in his success. The Minister said the Kosovo people were avidly following Spahiu’s recent performances, sharing in pride that a youth from Kosovo has met such immense success. The athletic accomplishments of Kosovo’s youth population have helped project a positive image of the young country.

The Minister then briefed Spahiu on the work that his department and the entire Kosovo sports community had been doing to develop sports programs and eventual internationalization. He stressed the landmark participation of Kosovar basketball teams in the Balkans League. This inclusion would serve as an additional opportunity to promote Kosovo but, more importantly, it would promote the country’s up-and-coming players.

Spahiu said he was honored by the reception held in his honor, and he thanked the entire Kosovo sports community for the support he received during his rise. He spoke of the challenges he faced and the pride he felt when speaking of his country origin. He said he always strived to pave the way for young basketball talents.

The original article was posted at The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports webpage. Click here to read the original article.  

Successes and Challenges of Albanian Authors in Diaspora

The conference Successes and Challenges of Albanian Authors in the Diaspora was held on August 5th 2013, in the presence of many artists within the diaspora network. Associations of writers and artists hailing from Germany, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, England, France, Italy, among other countries attended the conference, which was held in the traditional manifestation of Days of Diaspora.

This conference, held to coordinate joint diaspora and local activities, issued a statement regarding the establishment of the Union of Albanian Artists in the Diaspora. The Diaspora Minister, Ibrahim Makolli, who took part in the writers and poets of the diaspora meeting, stated, “It is our historic destiny that many of our authors work and operate in the diaspora. In this case, you should not feel self-excluded. Instead, attempt to connect further with each other, in order to connect your culture and creativity.”

Mr. Makolli continued by asserting, “I congratulate you for your efforts and the great contribution you give to preserve the language, literature, and culture around the world.” Meanwhile, representatives of associations of writers and artists throughout Europe thanked the Ministry of Diaspora, suggesting that similar events be organized more often.

To conclude the conference, a joint statement, “The association of Albanian artists in the diaspora, after this activity and considering the circumstances and need for mutual coordination to be unified, willingly forms the League of Albanian Artists in the Diaspora.” It was decided to establish the leadership work, which will consist of representatives of each association. Furthermore, the founding members will start preparing for the next assembly, which will elect the President of the League, as well as other organs.

The activity of diaspora authors continues with the Fair and Books Promotion of Authors from the Diaspora.

The original article was posted at the Kosovo Ministry of Diaspora website. Click here to read the original article.  

Successes and challenges of Albanian Authors in Diaspora: A Conference by the Ministry of Diaspora

The conference Successes and Challenges of Albanian Authors in the Diaspora was held on August 5th 2013, in the presence of many artists within the diaspora network. Associations of writers and artists hailing from Germany, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, England, France, Italy, among other countries attended the conference, which was held in the traditional manifestation of Days of Diaspora.

This conference, held to coordinate joint diaspora and local activities, issued a statement regarding the establishment of the Union of Albanian Artists in the Diaspora. The Diaspora Minister, Ibrahim Makolli, who took part in the writers and poets of the diaspora meeting, stated, “It is our historic destiny that many of our authors work and operate in the diaspora. In this case, you should not feel self-excluded. Instead, attempt to connect further with each other, in order to connect your culture and creativity.”

Mr. Makolli continued by asserting, “I congratulate you for your efforts and the great contribution you give to preserve the language, literature, and culture around the world.” Meanwhile, representatives of associations of writers and artists throughout Europe thanked the Ministry of Diaspora, suggesting that similar events be organized more often.

To conclude the conference, a joint statement, “The association of Albanian artists in the diaspora, after this activity and considering the circumstances and need for mutual coordination to be unified, willingly forms the League of Albanian Artists in the Diaspora.” It was decided to establish the leadership work, which will consist of representatives of each association. Furthermore, the founding members will start preparing for the next assembly, which will elect the President of the League, as well as other organs.

The activity of diaspora authors continues with the Fair and Books Promotion of Authors from the Diaspora.

The original article was posted at the Kosovo Ministry of Diaspora website. Click here to read the original article.  

Kosovo hosts innovative Summer Programme on Religion and Foreign policy

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Balkan Institute and the University of Pristina are launching a two-week Summer Programme on “Faith and Foreign policy: Investigating the role of religion in Conflict and Post-conflict transformations” between 5 and 17th August. The Programme welcomes 26 participants from 15 countries as far and wide as Morocco, China and Ukraine. Renowned experts will address a varied programme covering themes such as religion in the context of post conflict reconstruction and the role of religion, culture and identity in the Balkans. Speakers include Professors Miroslav Volf from Yale University, Professor Ivo Banac from Yale University and of the University of Zagreb, Ambassador Zamir Akram, former Pakistani ambassador to the UN and lecturer at the Geneva school of diplomacy, and Obrad Savic, founder and director of University of Singidunum. The programme will include a weekend trip to Prizren to visit the city’s cultural heritage of mosques and churches standing side-by-side.

Charlotte Keenan, Chief Executive of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation said:“This summer we are collaborating with the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs, University of Prishtina and the Balkan Institute, running an intensive summer course on the interaction between religion and foreign policy. The programme brings together students with professionals, diplomats, as well as regional and international leaders. It will equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and analyse the role of religion in the context of conflict and post conflict situations. We hope this will enable us to see religion to be part of the solution, as well as often part of the problem. We cannot think of a better place than Kosovo for such a course.”

Petrit Selimi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo said:  “The Summer Programme is a further step forward in our continued commitment to promote interfaith dialogue in Kosovo. It’s a part of our multilayered public diplomacy programme and a follow up to the successful Interfaith Conference which brought faith leaders and experts from all over the globe to Peja in May this year. We are delighted to cooperate with Tony Blair Faith Foundation to host the Programme and receive world renowned experts here in Kosovo to continue to explore these important issues with participants from 14 countries”.

The original article was posted at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage. Click here to read the original article.  

Football Dreams Come True for Atdhe Nuhiu

Atdhe Nuhiu has signed a three-year deal with the Sheffield Wednesday F.C., one of the oldest premier professional football clubs in the world. 

The 6ft 6ins centre forward thinks he is suited to the English game and can carve out a successful career here after signing his three-year deal with the Sheffield Wednesday F.C. Owls. His opportunity might have come at Crystal Palace or another club in this country but he confirmed that he was attracted to Wednesday by the club’s potential and the possibility of good times in the Championship and beyond.

“It was a dream for me to come to England,” said the former Rapid Vienna striker. “It is also my type of football. It was a good step to come here; I’m still young – 23, 24 soon – and hungry for success.

“If I can do good things with this team, I will be more than happy.” He was born in Pristina, Kosovo, but was only six months old when his family moved to Austria, where he has spent the rest of life apart from his loan stay last season at Turkish club Eskisehirspor.

His name has set fans here wondering about its pronunciation: it is ‘Attie NOO-hee-oo’, with the emphasis on the ‘noo’ in his surname.

He is an affable character and speaks good English, but his knowledge of the language and his aerial ability are not the only reasons why he thinks he is well suited to the English game.

“I am good in the air. But I can keep the ball for the team and use the other players. I can play football as well.”

Beyond that he is reluctant to talk about himself, believing that his football should do the talking and that teamwork is all important: “I am not alone on the pitch.”

Nuhiu is set to play some part in today’s friendly at Chesterfield: “The manager says yes. We’ll see for how long.”

But he is still sharpening his fitness, and Jones will assess this before deciding whether he is ready to play next Saturday at QPR.

The striker, who will be 24 on Monday, admitted: “The manager wil decide but of course I think I need a bit of training with the fitness coach. It’s never enough. You always have to work. We’ll take the right decision. I will play at the right time.”

After Nuhiu’s trial at Palace, manager Ian Holloway has spoken well of him though he would not have gone straight into the Eagles’ 25-man Premier squad: