Category Archives: Culture

A Cassette Player Can Send One A Long Way

“Smajl” is a documentary film that tells the story of a Kosovar family migrating to Germany in the 70s.The main character is Mr. Ismail Hoxhaj, the head of the family, who had gone to Germany to buy a cassette player. Circumstances of that time forced Ismail to drag along his whole family and open a new chapter in the lives of each of his household.

This documentary is directed by Philipp Meyer, a close family friend of the Hoxhaj’s, who in cooperation with the daughter of Mr. Ismail, Zymryte Hoxhaj, agreed to make the documentary.
“… this documentary is about the life and work of my dad, an immigrant in Germany, who alongside many from the Balkans, he had found plenty of work in the then redeveloping German state”, said Hoxhaj for KultPlus Magazine. This documentary includes political and social issues faced by Albanians in the 70s, as well as the activities of various diaspora movements. The film also includes the daily life of the children, growing up in a foreign environment and adapting to life in Germany with a radically different cultural background.

What differs the Hoxhaj family, is basically Mr. Ismajls dedication at looking for a cassette player, and getting so much more out of the bargain.
Watch the documentary trailer through the BunkHouse Filmmakers here, or through Vimeo where you can watch the trailer with English subtitles here.

Cultural Diplomacy: The Albanian-British Festival of Culture held in London

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The Albanian-British Festival of Culture held key events across London from May 28^th to July 4^th 2015. The annual festival hosted by the Albanian Embassy in London, brings together cultures and is a great opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and talks. The festival organiser, His Excellency Mr. Mal Berisha, during his diplomatic career in the United Kingdom has encouraged an open and connected community that embraces multiculturalism and diversity in the vibrant city of London.

For five days Londoners witnessed a series of educational and cultural celebrations including an art exhibition by the talented painter Bashkim Izano; book launches and talks by the renowned authors Dr. Enver Bytyçi and Sir Noel Malcolm; ceremony for the donation of the album “Songs of Motherland” (Këngët e Atdheut) by the talented musician Adelina Hoxha and Maestro Robert Radoja, published by Flamur Hudhri; and lecture by Ambassador Mal Berisha at the American Embassy in London about the Albanian-U.S. Jewish history.

The art exhibition by Bashkim Izano was the official opening event of the festival, organized by the European Commission and the Albanian Embassy in the UK and Ireland. Jacqueline Minor, the Head of Representation of the European Commission in the UK gave the opening remarks, followed by the Ambassador of Albania Mal Berisha. Jacqueline Minor spoke highly of Izano’s work and said that Albanian art has been an integral part of European art. The great artist Bashkim Izano talked about how the English poet and painter Eduard Lear (1812-1888) inspired his paintings. Eduard Lear travelled to Albania in 1948 making drawings during his journey, depicted in his book “Journals of a Landscape Painter in Albania” (1851).

The contemporary artist Bashkim Izano dedicated his first exhibition in England to Eduard Lear. His beautiful oil paintings showcase Albania in the mid-19^th century with its beautiful folklore and nature scenery. The exhibition titled “Homage to Eduard Lear” is open until 19 June 2015 at the 12 Star Gallery, Europe House in London. The Europe House is the London art base for the European Parliament and the European Commission and it has held several festivals and special cultural events to celebrate creativity and cultural diversity.

On June 4, 2014 the well-known historian Sir Noel Malcolm promoted his book “Agents of Empire: Knights, Corsairs, Jesuits and Spies in the Sixteenth-Century Mediterranean World.” The book tells the fascinating story of Albania in the second half of the 16th century, representing a vibrant Mediterranean and European history with its generations of empires, cultures and religions.

Meet Merita Gashi, Kosovo’s Paris Based Expert

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Merita Gashi is Kosovodiaspora’s persona of today. Currently a PhD candidate in Geopolitics at the University of Paris 8, Ms. Gashi is an adviser to the Kosovar government and is in charge of research, analyses and report writing on a wide range of projects. Currently, she is an adviser to the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare and a board member of Riinvest Institute in Kosovo.

Due to her international outlook and expertise, Merita has been given the task of acting as a liasaon between Kosovar institutions and international bodies in Kosovo for EU integration. Merita has been frequently active in the written press. She has contributed to public discourse in Kosovo while writing columns for the daily newspaper “Zeri” as well as for other notable journals and blogs. In line with her commitment for social activism, Merita has recently been involved as a Member of the Board for Kosovo’s Institute of Peace, a newly established think-tank in Kosovo, which aims to contribute in advancing peace in Kosovo and the wider region. Merita has a long track of engaging with civil society activities in supporting Kosovo’s European path. In her current position, Merita works as an adviser to the Miniser of Labour and Social Welfare Mr.Arban Abrashi through a project of KFOS and UNDP. She is also a board member of Riinvest Institute located in Prishtina, Kosovo. In the past, she has worked for the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning; supporting the establishment of procedures that ensure regular communication and coordination between the Ministry and local governments.

Alongside other significant academic achievements and workshops, Ms. Merita Gashi is known throughout written media for her publications and most notably for her columns “Ne për veten dhe … të tjerët për ne…” , and works on Kosovar experts studying abroad under the title of Ekspertët e shkolluar jashtë dhe injorimi që iu bëhet në Kosovë, as well as Koha për protestat akademike të studentëve. Merita has demonstrated her capacity to act as an advocate for Kosovo through all of her academic and professional work and looks forward to continuing this work through contributions to the Diaspora.

For more on Merita please click here

St. Francis basketball player Edon Molla supports gender equality #HeForShe

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By Ermira Babamusta

Good will Ambassador Emma Watson called on everyone to participate in the UN’s HeForShe campaign. The campaign is based on the premise that “gender equality is not only a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue” that requires everyone’s participation. “Lifting women up lifts up our economy, and lifts up our country. We have got to make sure that somebody is standing up for them,” said President Obama in support of the campaign. UN Women aims to engage 1 million men and boys as agents of change for achievement of gender equality by taking the HeForShe pledge.

Edon Molla; HeForShe campaign

Basketball star Edon Molla joined the solidarity movement in support of “HeForShe” campaign. Molla was also selected to give a speech regarding gender equality recently through the HeForShe campaign. He will continue to advocate toward raising awareness for the many injustices towards women in the world. The HeForShe campaign was started by British actress Emma Watson in September of 2014, when she addressed the issue of gender equality at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The name of the campaign, “HeForShe”, represents the importance of male involvement and support of feminism. It calls on men who agree with gender equality and is a cause that Edon Molla supports and is advocate of.

At St. Anthony High School, where Edon served as Team Captain, he won three New Jersey State Championships, two Tournaments of Champions Titles, and two U.S.A. National Championships. Edon Molla and his teammates were honored by the Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie for their first national championship and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium for winning their second national championship, back to back national titles.

At College, Edon Molla and his team had a record of 25 wins and 12 losses; they won the regular season conference championship and played in the NIT playoffs where they lost to the University of Richmond. Edon has two more years of college basketball and is looking to improve over the summer and have a bigger role in leading his team toward a championship. Edon is also an honor roll student with a 4.00 GPA.

According to Molla, “School comes first. If I had to pick between school and basketball I would pick school. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and plan to keep that up. I would like to go to Harvard, Columbia or New York University for a master’s degree; such schools are considered elite universities in the United States and the world. It is a constant battle between academics and basketball, but I think finding that balance is what keeps me going and pushing to be the best that I can be.”

During an interview with KTV Interaktiv Bujar Mehmeti and Xhemajl Rexha, Edon said he was ready to play for the Kosova National Basketball Team and that his brother is in contact with the Basketball Federation. “My family and I have been in contact with the Basketball Federation of Kosova, hopefully everything works out. I think Kosova can have a great national team and can compete against other countries. A lot of good players in Kosova. I really think we can compete and have success in the international level.”

A few other European teams have also reached out to Molla, but for now he has two more years with his current team. “I would love to play basketball in Europe because all of my family is in Europe and that would be great. Basketball in Europe is getting better every year so it would be great opportunity. A lot of NBA players have played in Europe for a few years and then have had a chance to play in the NBA afterwards. The dream is to play in the NBA one day, it’s what I work for every day, I definitely think with hard work and dedication I can achieve it. I’ve played with and against a lot of players in the NBA, I’m good friends with a few players. That gives me confidence and persistence to work harder toward that dream.”

Molla attributes his work ethic to his parents who support him all the way. At 13 years old Edon appeared in his first newspaper article, the Brooklyn Currents, where his dedication and sacrifices were captured. A reporter saw Edon along with his mother, Merita, and brother, Edon waiting for the bus after the game. The interview spoke about how Edon, along with his family were willing to travel four hours using various trains and buses to make it to the games and practices. This work ethic was based on his parents’ values who immigrated to the United States escaping the war in their homeland, Kosova. Edon Molla was also recently featured in an article in Respect Magazine by Peter Eboli where he discussed the family’s sacrifices.

Outside of juggling school and basketball, Edon Molla will be modeling for CATM an agency in NYC and hosting a basketball camp with Xharra Group over the summer in Prizren.

“Four Elements” of Shqipe Mehmeti

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Shqipe Mehmeti is an up and coming artist, combining philosophy and visual aesthetics, her personal art exhibition in Nuremberg will revive the wisdom of the ancient philosopher Empedocles. “Four Elements” is a straight forward description of a complex and sensitive play between fire,water air and soil, a play that makes life possible on earth.

The exhibition is to be held on 30th of April at 19 in the city of Nuremberg, at the Galerie im Kleinen Saal, Gemeinschaftshaus Langwasser.

Empowered Kosovar in Germany: Elona Kastrati’s Feminist Protest

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Elona Kastrati made headlines in Karlsruhe, Germany, with her awareness campaign on gender equality. She chose “International Women’s Day” to spread her word on sanitary pads, which she put on the main road signs with provocative writing superimposed on the pads.

The twenty year-old Kosovar shares her thoughts on the campaign in an exclusive interview for KosovoDiaspora.

KD: What made you do it?

EK: I was thinking about how menstruation is a taboo theme in our world.

KD: Could you very shortly tell us about the activity and how it started?

EK: I stuck feminist quotes for GENDER equality on menstruation pads i was with my sister Nora in my city and so we started

KD: Was the reaction all positive, or, were there critiques of your activity?

EK: Of course there were critiques but mostly good ones! I dont care about bad ones because its good that poeple at least talk about it

KD: Is there anything brewing in the near future?

EK: Yeah some little street art things and a speech in TEDxPrishtinaWomen

You can follow Elona on instagram.

Balcony: A Kosovar movie travelling through international film festivals

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“Balcony”, a movie by Lendita Zeqiraj, is going to be part of several international film festivals, starting with Paris, France. This movie has already had 116 screenings in different film festivals around the world.

Zeqiraj’s “Balcony” will be screened in France, Germany, USA, Turkey, Canada, Brasil, Denmark and Austria during this month. “I am very happy that the movie is already part of different international festivals around the world, since it represents Kosovo’s cinematography” said Zeqiraj when interviewed for KultPlus.

The movie will start travelling from Paris on the 15^th of April, at the festival in Sorbones – the World Center. The following destination is the Movie Festival in Dresden, where “Balcony” is nominated for the Best Short movie and will be screened three times during the festival. Zeqiraj will also be premiering her movie in Canada, Brasil and Denmark.

10 Reasons Klement Tinaj is the One Actor to Look Out for in 2015

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Klement Tinaj is one of the most interesting actors to follow these days in Hollywood. He is known for his great versatile talent and has taken on fascinating roles on both theatre and film. Tinaj received his B.F.A in Theatre Arts and his MFA in Acting for Film. He was awarded the Excellence Award in Drama during his studies, as well as the “Certificate of Merit” and “Certificate of Recognition” for his academic achievements. Klement Tinaj founded Klement Tinaj Foundation to give back to the community by helping feed the homeless and the hungry. Tinaj has an impressive year ahead and here are ten reasons he is the ONE actor to look out for in 2015.

#1 He can race cars in Fast & Furious 7

Furious 7 hit the theatres today. Klement Tinaj was cast as the Race Wars Racer, adding to the exotic car collection of this action thriller. “We wanted to make Paul Walker proud with this film,” said Tinaj, “it was tough to watch the premiere as we all miss him!” Klement Tinaj shared the screen with the famous action stars Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson and Tony Jaa, who never disappoint their fans.

Fast &Furious 7, Actor Klement Tinaj with the models. Fast & Furious 7 is an action crime thriller, directed by James Wan, written by Chris Morgan and Gary Scott Thompson (characters), starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne Johnson.

#2 He makes a pretty convincing detective and means serious business in “4Got10”

Klement Tinaj just finished filming “4Got10” directed by Timothy Woodward Jr, featuring Hollywood action stars Dolph Lundren and Danny Trejo. Tinaj plays the role of the “Detective”. Vivica Fox, Michael Paré and Johnny Messner also star in this action thriller. The movie is currently in post-production, to be released in 2016.

Actor Klement Tinaj in “4Got10” (2015), directed by Timothy Woodward Jr. (By Visionary Eye Entertainment ©)

#3 He can cozy up to a romantic role and steel your heart away

Klement Tinaj is charming, and he can play the eternal romantic hero who can steel your heart away. Just as he can be a cool and tough guy doing street car races, or be an action hero to defend justice, Tinaj can also embody the good guy and the romantic loyal image. He brings the right emotional color to the production.

In the action thriller film “Last Chance” (2015), Klement Tinaj (playing Leo) cozies up with Paula Meilli (as Jessica) for a hot romantic scene. Starring Klement Tinaj, Paula Meilli, Jean Hyppolite , Robert Factor, Shawn Roth , and Adam Ohl, “Last Chance” is directed by Lin Zhao, written and produced by Klement Tinaj, cinematography by Alister Conway.

Klement Tinaj & Paula Meilli in Last Chance (2015). “Last Chance” is an action short film, directed by Lin Zhao, written and produced by Klement Tinaj, starring Robert Factor, Jean Hyppolite and Paula Meilli. (By Visionary Eye Entertainment © 2015)

#4 He is highly skilled as a martial artist

Klement Tinaj has mastered the discipline of Tae Kwan Do. He trained with Master Ho Lee in his Tae Kwon Do Academy in Yonkers, New York for four years. In March 15, 2008 he won the Inter School Tournament in Sparing, Forms and Breaking. He also won three gold medals. Klement Tinaj has performed several Tae Kwon Do demonstrations with his master in New York. He also competed in the Tae Kwon Do Championships in October 2011 and won the second place.

After years of training and obtaining a black belt, Klement Tinaj teaches Tae Kwan Do to students at different levels. He taught Art of Combat for New York Educational Theatre Festival in 2012 hosted and sponsored by The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and Los Angeles.

#5 Tinaj is an experienced Stunt Coordinator & fight choreographer

Klement Tinaj is an expert, highly trained in various forms of combat, and he also does his own stunts for films. Tinaj fight choreographed the play “Some Kind of Love Story”, written by Arthur Miller. He was the stunt coordinator for both films “Helping Hand” (dir. Lin Zhao) and “Last Chance” (dir. Lin Zhao).

On 28 March 2015 Klement Tinaj was invited as a special guest artist along with assistant and partner Roman Xing, to demonstrate the art of combat at the Californian Festival, held in Upland, California. They gave a live performance of stunts and stage combat.

Art of Combat, Stunt Coordinator/ Fight Choreographer Klement Tinaj and Roman Xing

#6 He is a triple threat: Actor, Producer and Director

Klement writes as well in addition to playing lead roles (“Good Night and Good Luck”, “My Diseased Love”, “Have You Ever Thought…?”) and appearing in major movies such as “Fast & Furious 7”, “The Second Coming of Christ” and “4Got10”. He was the producer of the film “Still Meadows” and the director & producer of the play “Some Kind of Love Story”.

Klement Tinaj acted, produced and co-wrote “Helping Hand” with George McGrath who was nominated for an Emmy Award “Pee-wee’s Playhouse in 1986.” He also wrote, produced and starred in “Last Chance” directed by Lin Zhao. Both films will premiere in New York City on April 12, 2015 at Producer Club Theaters, 6:00 pm (www.klementtinaj.com).

Klement Tinaj(Producer, Writer, Director) and Lin Zhao (Director) in Helping Hand (2015)

Klement Tinaj, Adam Ohl, Robert Factor & Shawn Roth in Last Chance (2015

#7 He loves theatre and is a playwright

Klement Tinaj wrote and directed an original two-act play, a play that promises to “take the audience on a journey to a by-gone era.” Starring the talented cast, namely Roman Xing, Alina Smolyar, Kayla Eva, Melissa Carvajal and Leandro Simozza the play will open in the heart of Hollywood and travel around Los Angeles in May 2015.

#8 Yes he can play multiple roles in a single production

That is the kind of genius and creative artist Klement Tinaj is. He can embody multiple roles in one production. He is that convincing! In the play “Aladdin” the director chose Tinaj for two parts “Prince” and “Drummer”. In the children’s play “Dora” he stood out for his dual role of “Drum” and “Band”.

Actor Klement Tinaj and Cristy Fuentevilla in the theatre play “Amadeus”

#9 Klement Tinaj can also sing and write songs

Klement Tinaj loves performing music and sings Albanian folk music. He has debut two singles (“Pa Mua”, “Leila, Leila”). Singing is his hobby, however his number one passion is acting.

#10 He brings a fresh image on the American cinema screen

Klement Tinaj is spontaneous, fresh and authentic. Klement Tinaj has certainly proved his star potential in the last few years. He is capturing the attention of famous Hollywood filmmakers. With his talents, charm, charisma, ambition and gifted skills Tinaj keep audiences and critics wanting more. He has a captivating spirit and has proved himself as an actor, producer, director and martial artist. Klement Tinaj is a true star in the making! He is one to keep out an eye out for sure in 2015.

Roman Xing, Leandro Simozza, Klement Tinaj, Dina Angelson and Al Sapienza in The Second Coming of Christ (2015), an action-drama directed by Daniel Anghelcev.

Anda Kryeziu, a young Kosovar composer premiering her piece at “Music und Politik” festival in Luzern

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Anda Kryeziu will be premiering her piece “Passport” on the 16^th of April in “Musik und Politik” festival in Luzern, Switzerland. “Passport” is a music piece with a political context and it is written for an ensemble consisting of a flute, sax, guitar, piano and soprano. This is by far the most personal piece Kryeziu has ever written. Everything started in December 2014, when Lunaire ensamble and the organizers of the “Music und Politik” festival invited her to compose for their event, since they already were familiar with her music.

“Passport” is based on a poem with the same title, written by Mahmut Darvish, which talks about political issues in a more artistic/poetic level. According to Kryeziu, this text seemed relevant to the existing situation in Kosovo, since it talks about migration, oppression, the lack of activism, and about being a foreigner in our own country, which is also part of our reality.

This piece will be played in other cities such as Basel and Zurich. When KultPlus asked her if she will bring “Passport” to Kosovo, she answered “ I will do everything in my power to premier the piece during this year in Kosovo, since it is dedicated to its reality and society”.

Source: KultPlus

Kosovology Hits The Spot At The World Famous Blue Note Jazz Bar

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March 22nd was a good Sunday for Jazz lovers. Taulant Mehmeti featured at the Blue Note Jazz Bar, bringing a Kosovo flavor to an all American music genre. Mehmeti was accompanied by his mentor, renowned jazz guitarist Vic Juris who has already 15 albums and collaborations with famous names in the jazz music industry. The event is a part of the concert organized by the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music of which Meheti is currently enrolled in.

“I’ve always dreamt of performing with Vic Juris. And it finally came true!”said Mehmeti. The audience at the club had been very receptive to “Kosovology” and had stayed for other performances such as “Song to my brother,” “Like Xhafa” and “Up to the Bronx “. “The audience has been very good. ‘Blue Note’ which is biggest jazz club in the world, was packed in both sets, I will continue to perform regularly in New York. So far I’ve played in some of the biggest clubs as ‘Iridium’, ‘BBKings’ and ‘Blue Note’, which was the biggest achievement in my career”.

In 2011 Taulant together with bass player Fatlind Ferati and drummer Enes Bajramliqi formed the “Trio of Love” and debuted at the “Pristina Jazz Festival”.