SYNOPSIS
Saimir and his younger brother, Vini are Albanian. They both try to integrate in the life of Thessaloniki a town in north of Greece in their own way. Saimir is engaged to a Greek young woman and works as a repairman in his father-in-law's repair shop. He tries his best to help his brother Vini become self-sufficient and respectful through work. However, Vini lacks both the patience and persistence that his brother has. He is compelled to work in jobs that his brother finds for him, but is systematically fired.Hurt and chopfallen, he does not want to be dependent on Saimir and seeks to show to him that he can walk on his own. Trying to overcome the despair at a bar near the harbour, he gets acquainted with Ben, a tiny trafficker of human beings, who is closely related to the local Albanian mafia. Thus, the page of disillusioned Vini's life is turning. He earns easy money and lives in luxury, but in the meantime he discovers the nightmare of clandestine prostitution as well as the terrible destiny of many girls who have emigrated with the hope for a better life. He falls in love with Majlinda, a victim of prostitution, and will do his utmost to get her out of the claws of Keno, leader of the local mafia. High-minded and immature, he will seek the help of his brother Saimir and will pull him to the swirl of violence until the final drama.
CAST
Xhevdet Jashari - Keno
Antonis Kafetzopoulos - Nikos
Isavela Kogevina - Elektra
Guliem Kotorri - Vini
Marvin Tafaj - Saimir
Laertis Vasiliou - Beni
Eglantina Cenomeri - Majlinda
Hajrie Rondo
CREW
Co Producers - Daniel Burlac, Lilette Botassi, Guillame De Seille
Associate Producers - Karine Blanc, Michel Tavarez
Directed - Robert Budina
Writing - Robert Budina
Cinematography - Marius Panduru
Film editing - Eugen Kelemen
Art direction - Bianca Nikolareizi
Costume design - Emir Turkeshi
Make up - Vicky Tataki
Sound Editor - Marius Leftache
Music - Aldo Shllaku
FESTIVALS AND AWARDS
o October 2012 Chicago (Usa) International Film Festival Official Selection
o February 2013 Bloody Hero (Usa) International Film Festival Official Selection - Best Male Actor & Best Film
o March 2013 Bari (Italy) International Film Festival Official Selection
o Aprill 2013 See a Paris (France) International Film Festival Official Selection - Best Screenplay
o May 2013 See Los Angeles (Usa) International Film Festival Official Selection
o May 2013 Balkan Survey in Poland
o June 2013 Shanghai (China) International Film Festival Official Selection Panorama
o September 2013 Pristina (Kosovo) International Film Festival Official Selection
o September 2013 Alexandria (Egypt) International Film Festival Official Selection
o October 2013 Tirana (Albania) International Film Festival Official Selection
o November 2013 Albanian Film Week New York (Usa)
o January 2014 Jaipur (India) International Film Festival Official Selection
o March 2014 Albanian Nomination for the Oscars
o September 2014 Trophes Francophones du Cinema
o September 2014 Helsinki International Film Festival Balkan Fever
Status
In theaters
Production
Production - Erafilm (AL)
Co Production - Elefant Film (RO), Inkas Film (GR), Arizona Films (FR)
Production country
Albania, Romania, Greece, France
Language
Albanian
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