The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo, in collaboration with North South University (NSU), hosted “Kosovo Film Day 2025” at the university campus on Wednesday (25 June, 2025), marking both a cinematic celebration and the 26th Anniversary of Kosovo’s Liberation Day (12 June 1999). The event brought together diplomats, faculty members, students, and cultural enthusiasts for a special screening of three critically acclaimed Kosovar films—Hive, Cold November, and The Hero.
His Excellency Mr. Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in Dhaka, delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He warmly welcomed the audience and reflected on the significance of the day:
“12th June is a day that symbolises our people’s resilience, courage, and unwavering quest for freedom, justice, and dignity,” said the Ambassador.
He emphasized that Kosovo’s journey toward independence has been marked by immense challenges but guided by strong principles of peace, democracy, and human rights.
Highlighting the power of cinema as a medium of cultural exchange and historical reflection, Ambassador Pllana introduced the three featured films:
- Hive (Zgjoi), based on the real-life story of war widow Fahrije Hoti, is a powerful tale of female empowerment and post-war resilience. Directed by Blerta Basholli, it became the first film in Sundance Film Festival history to win all three top awards in its category.
- Cold November (Nëntor i Ftohtë), directed by Ismet Sijarina, portrays a man’s moral struggle during the 1990s civil resistance in Kosovo—offering a deeply personal narrative of state oppression and sacrifice.
- The Hero (Heroi) by Luan Kryeziu explores the psychological aftermath of war, examining trauma, alienation, and the internal battles of those hailed as heroes.
“These works reflect not only the talent of our filmmakers but also the spirit of our society—resilient, reflective, and ready to engage with the world through culture,” the Ambassador noted.
In a significant announcement, Ambassador Pllana also shared that North South University is in the process of signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two leading Kosovar institutions—University for Business and Technology (UBT) and AAB University. This academic collaboration aims to open avenues for student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and future cooperation in media and film studies.
Professor Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of NSU, was specially thanked for his vision and support in organizing the event. The Ambassador acknowledged the efforts of NSU’s faculty and administrative teams for making the event a success.
Addressing the students present, Ambassador Pllana said,
“Your curiosity, engagement, and perspective are what make these events meaningful. I hope these films will inspire reflection, dialogue, and a growing interest in Kosovo—a small but proud country in the heart of Europe.”
He concluded by reaffirming Kosovo’s commitment to deepening ties with Bangladesh through education, culture, and people-to-people diplomacy.
The event ended with enthusiastic applause and anticipation for future collaborations between Kosovo and Bangladesh—fueled by a shared belief in cultural understanding and academic exchange.
