Dua

In late 1990s Pristina, 13-year-old Dua wants to live like any other girl her age: spend time with friends, go to parties and fall in love. But as the war in Kosovo draws closer, schools close, her father loses his job, and violence becomes part of everyday life. After a violent incident makes Dua herself a target, she befriends Maki, a fearless girl who has fled the fighting and teaches her how to defend herself. Their friendship gives Dua newfound confidence – and a desire to fight back. In her second feature, Blerta Basholli returns to the Kosovo of her childhood with a personal coming-of-age story about growing up as the world around you begins to fall apart. The film premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week, where it won the SACD Award, and was later selected as Kosovo’s submission for the Academy Awards.