Hive (Albanian: Zgjoi) is a 2021 Albanian-Kosovan drama film written and directed by Blerta Basholli in her directorial debut. The film stars Yllka Gashi, Çun Lajçi and Aurita Agushi.[2] It premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31, 2021 and became the first film in Sundance history to win all three main awards – the Grand Jury Prize, the Audience Award and the Directing Award – in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.[3] It was selected as the Kosovan entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.[4]
Hive | |
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![]() Sundance release poster | |
Directed by | Blerta Basholli |
Written by | Blerta Basholli |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Alex Bloom |
Edited by |
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Music by | Julien Painot |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Zeitgeist Films Kino Lorber (United States) |
Release dates |
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Running time | 84 minutes |
Countries | Kosovo Switzerland Albania North Macedonia |
Language | Albanian |
The movie is based on the true story of a woman, Fahrije, who goes against misogynistic societal expectations to become an entrepreneur after her husband went missing during the 1998-1999 Kosovo War. She starts selling her own ajvar and honey, recruiting other women in the process.[5]
The film was produced by Ikone Studio, Industria Film and was co-produced by AlbaSky Film, Alva Film, Black Cat Production.[1]
The film had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31, 2021 in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition section.[6] On September 8, 2021, Zeitgeist Films and Kino Lorber acquired the film's U.S. distribution rights and set it for a November 5, 2021 theatrical release in the United States.[7]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 69 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website's consensus reads, "Anchored by Yllka Gashi's outstanding performance, Hive leads viewers on one woman's fact-based quest for self-determination in a patriarchal society."[8]
Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
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Sundance Film Festival | February 3, 2021 | Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic | Blerta Basholli | Won | [9] |
World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic | Won | ||||
Directing Award: World Cinema Dramatic | Won | ||||