"Era" exposes oppression in New York, Berisha - Best Actress

In a hall filled with emotions and memories, the film “Era” was shown for the first time to the public at the “Brooklyn Film Festival”. A deep and heartfelt story, which carries within itself the reflection of the 90s in Kosovo, was experienced with emotions, applause and reflection by an international and Albanian-American audience. Meanwhile, the actress who plays the main role in the film, Zana Berisha, received the Best Actress Award. This premiere was not only an artistic highlight, but also a deeply personal moment: a shared journey that came to life on the big screen, strongly felt even in the physical absence of most of the team.

A painful piece of history that still occupies a place in the collective memory has been brought back to the screen through this film, directed and written by Parta Kelmendi. In her filmic narrative, she has brought a dark period of the 90s in Kosovo – when free speech was violently closed and when many journalists were expelled from the Pristina Radio and Television just because they were Albanian. And through the eyes of a girl who sees her father being dragged out of work, “Era” has invited the viewer on an emotional journey through a time of oppression, but never of silence. And the award that Berisha received at the Festival held earlier this month has motivated the actress of the new generation. 

"I really didn't expect it... For me as an actress, this award means a lot," she said during the ceremony. She told KOHË that she is very happy to have received the Best Actress Award at the 'Brooklyn Film Festival'. 

"I didn't expect it, but it's an incredible feeling to be appreciated for a role that I have experienced so deeply. The role of Era was very special to me. She is a young girl who faces a world that is closing in front of her eyes, and in the meantime tries to understand who she is and what she wants for her life. It was painful, but very beautiful to bring her to life," said Berisha.

She added that for her, "Era" is not only a personal story, it is also a reflection of the reality of many girls and women who have grown up in systems that limit their voice. 

"Therefore, this award is not just for me, but for all those who feel invisible, but who have great strength within them," said Berisha. 

Although years have passed since filming began, the emotional charge of those days is still felt by those who brought “Era” to life. The work on the set – located right in front of the Prishtina Radio and Television building, “transformed” into the RTP of the 90s – had been busy and intense, but filled with deep dedication and a special sensitivity to the subject being treated. Each scene was carefully constructed, reflecting the atmosphere of a turbulent, but also hopeful time. For the team, filming was not simply a technical process, but a complete immersion in a reality that required worthy representation, an effort that is already echoing on international screens.
Director Parta Kelmendi has shown that the film “Era” was warmly received by the audience at its world premiere in Brooklyn, gathering not only cinema lovers, but also viewers who had a direct connection to the time the film deals with. The halls were packed, while the comments that followed the first screening reflected that the story had touched the human sensitivity, beyond linguistic and cultural borders. Whether through the personal memories of Albanian-American immigrants who had lived that reality, or through the universal theme of the search for freedom and identity, the film has managed to create a deep emotional connection with the audience.

"The film was very well received. Since all the tickets were sold, people came and there were very good comments. There was also an international audience, who understood very clearly the message we wanted to convey and they liked it a lot, but there was also a lot of Albanian-American audience, who also lived in Kosovo during the period that the film is about, but the topic is also universal, so in addition to the political elements, it talks about the freedom of a young man who seeks himself and fights for his freedom," said director Kelmendi in a response to KOHĖN.

After this successful first appearance, “Era” is expected to continue its journey on the international festival scene until the fall. Director Parta Kelmendi hopes that in October the film will start showing in cinemas, initially in Kosovo and then in other countries. This itinerary aims to bring the film closer to the audience of the region, for whom the story it describes is not only a collective memory, but also a personal experience.

"The film 'Era' will continue to tour other film festivals until the fall. In October we hope it will come to cinemas, starting in Kosovo, traveling to Albania, North Macedonia and across Europe as well," she added.

Amidst the atmosphere at the Brooklyn Film Festival, an intimate and personal encounter with art also took place: for actress Zana Berisha, the screening of the film "Era" was not only a premiere before the American public, but also her first encounter with film on a big screen.

"I felt extremely excited. It was also the first time for me to see the film, because I had always avoided it before. I wanted to experience it for the first time on a big screen and at a major festival, like the 'Brooklyn Film Festival'. It was even more significant because I was the only one from the team who was present at the premiere, even though I missed their presence, I strongly felt the energy of the entire cast and the director, Parta", said the lead actress in the film, Zana Berisha, in a response to KOHĖN.

According to the actress, seeing that a film you've given your all to is being received with so much love and attention is an unforgettable experience. 

"It was not just a personal success, but a collective triumph of the entire team," she said. 
The film - which was supported by the Kosovo Cinematography Center - stars, in addition to Zana Berisha, Alban Ukaj, Armend Smajli, Irena Aliu, Majlinda Kosumovic, Allmir Suhodolli, Melihate Qena, Lum Veseli, Blerta Gubetini, and others.

“The Wind” does not end with the final credits rolling – it lives on in the minds and hearts of those who have seen it. It is a powerful reminder that in the deepest darkness of oppression, man continues to seek the light of truth and justice. The film does not just offer a story about the past, but inspires a more conscious future, where the courage to speak out and the love of living freely will no longer be trampled upon.