Students of the Faculty of Philology in Pristina gathered today to watch the documentary “Lost Memory”, created by Ariana Krasniqi. Through authentic testimonies of survivors, the film brings back into focus the tragic events of 1999 in the villages of Makovc and Hallaq in the municipality of Lipjan.
The documentary presents the stories of five survivors Idriz Govori, Filloreta Viti, Kumrije Veliu, Fidan Ismajli, and Dardan Veliaj offering both individual and collective experiences from a period that continues to shape the lives of many families.
Krasniqi explained that the idea for the project stemmed from her own family history and the need to uncover long-silenced truths. She described how discussions about the war in her family often avoided details, particularly regarding her uncle, which motivated her to explore those hidden narratives. Over time, she said, she realized that many in Kosovo tend to suppress trauma, and she wanted to transform that pain into creative expression not only through storytelling but also through art and design.
According to her, the documentary seeks to turn suffering into strength, reflecting emotions beyond words and reaching deeper human dimensions. She emphasized her approach as a creator, using themes of war and trauma to express human feelings through artistic forms.
Krasniqi also noted that the selection of participants aimed to represent different perspectives of the war—from children to women and men so that viewers could see parts of themselves reflected in the stories.
The production process was emotionally challenging, as participants relived painful memories during filming, although she received strong support from family and friends.
One of the most powerful testimonies comes from Idriz Govori, who recalled the harsh days of April 1999 and described direct with death and torture, emphasizing that the suffering endured during the war was beyond imagination. He also criticized the lack of institutional attention to war crimes, describing it as an open and unresolved wound.
Despite limited institutional support, Krasniqi stated that this will not stop her artistic journey. The documentary has already been screened in several places, with its premiere held last year, and has been well received by audiences.
The film was independently produced by Krasniqi, who grew up in Germany, and is dedicated to the memory of her uncle, Jetullah Ismajli, as well as many others who lost their lives during the Kosovo War.
