I had long heard about DokuFest – the most important film festival in Kosovo and one of the largest events dedicated to non-fiction in Eastern Europe, as well as an important venue for contemporary short films. The impressions I had heard over the years were always generous and enthusiastic, mentioning the rakija parties lasting until dawn, an extremely warm atmosphere, and, above all, a very substantial film selection, along with a commitment to human rights and peace – something that always moves me when it comes from festivals in those former Yugoslav countries that were subjected to genocide. Moreover, the chance to hear the festival’s artistic director, Veton Nurkollari, speak on a panel organised at Ji.hlava 2022, with so much poise and dedication, only heightened my curiosity. So, I didn't hesitate when the opportunity arose to attend the festival, and I confess that I was counting down the days until my departure in early August – driven by the excitement of discovering a place I felt I would have otherwise struggled to get to if it was not for this great liaison (and, surely, privilege) that is cinema.

Flavia Dima

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Film critic & journalist. Collaborates with local and international outlets, programs a short film festival - BIEFF, does occasional moderating gigs and is working on a PhD thesis about home movies. At Films in Frame, she writes the monthly editorial - The State of Cinema and is the magazine's main festival reporter.

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