Blerta Basholli's Sundance triple award winner Hive will be released in UK & Irish cinemas 18th March. The powerful drama is based on the true story of Fahrije (Yllka Gashi) who, like many of the other women in her patriarchal village, has lived with fading hope and burgeoning grief since her husband went missing during the war in Kosovo. In order to provide for her struggling family, she pulls the other widows in her community together to launch a business selling a local food product. Together, they find healing and solace in considering a future without their husbands - but their will to begin living independently is met with hostility.
The men in the village condemn Fahrije's efforts to empower herself and the women around her, starting a feud that threatens their newfound sovereignty - and the financial future of Fahrije's family. Against the backdrop of civil unrest and lingering misogyny, Fahrije and the women of her village join in a struggle to find hope in the face of an uncertain future.
Hive is a touching and inspiring portrait of loss and overcoming injustices in a patriarchal society.
Winner of the Audience Award, Directing Award, and World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, the film is Kosovo's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards & has made the shortlist, with nominations announced on 8th February. Hive is executive produced by Elisabeth Moss and Lindsey McManus. Watch the trailer at the link above.
