Kosovo’s film “Dua,” written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Blerta Basholli, will open the 18th edition of the Prishtina International Film Festival (PriFest), bringing one of the country’s most anticipated productions back to its home audience.
The festival will take place in Prishtina from September 8 to 13, 2026, with “Dua” selected as the opening film.
The film has been chosen by the Kosovo Cinematography Center to represent Kosovo at the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, marking another major moment for the country’s growing film industry.
“Dua” follows the story of a teenage girl searching for her identity during one of the most turbulent periods in Kosovo’s modern history the 1990s and the 1998–99 Kosovo War. Through the personal journey of its protagonist, the film explores identity, political upheaval and the social realities of a generation growing up amid conflict.
The film is also competing for the Heart of Sarajevo, the top prize at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Another Kosovo production, “Shame and Money,” written and directed by Visar Morina, is also on the road to the Oscars. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, securing a direct path into the Academy Awards race.
“Shame and Money” tells the story of a family that moves to the capital and struggles to build a dignified life in a society increasingly shaped by economic pressure and hyper-capitalism.
Both films have received support from the Kosovo Cinematography Center and are competing at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
With two Kosovo productions heading toward the 2027 Oscars, the country’s film industry is once again attracting international attention while PriFest will bring one of those films, “Dua,” home to Prishtina for its opening night.
