Cannes Film Festival 2021: The Hill Where Lionesses Roar (Directors’ Fortnight) | Review
Luàna Bajrami’s debut feature is a refreshing and tender look at the struggles of youth in Kosovo.
The World Premiere of Luàna Bajrami’s debut feature, “The Hill Where Lionesses Roar” (original title: “Luaneshat e kodrës”), set in Kosovo, where she spent her formative years, was met with enthusiastic acclaim at Cannes. Presented at the Directors’ Fortnight, the film unfolds in a remote village in Kosovo, echoing the director’s own upbringing, where three young women confront the stifling constraints on their dreams and ambitions. In their quest for independence, they refuse to be silenced – it’s time for the lionesses to roar!
Whether influenced by her collaboration with Céline Sciamma or not, Luàna Bajrami’s debut feature presents a compelling portrayal of women in revolt. The film captivates on multiple levels and marks a promising directorial debut for Bajrami.
The narrative introduces us to a trio of young girls (portrayed by Era Balaj, Flaka Latifi, and Uratë Shabani) grappling with boredom and the confines of a patriarchal society in their village. As the story unfolds, Bajrami skillfully transforms these bored girls into a formidable sisterhood fighting for their rights.
With a keen eye for visual storytelling, Bajrami crafts magnetic, exhilarating scenes that exude her admiration for her characters. Despite their flaws, she refrains from passing judgment, endearing them to the audience with each act of defiance. The film unfolds with a lyrical and deeply personal touch, offering a vibrant portrayal of life beyond the frame.
The use of high-energy electro music and stylized shots evokes the cinematic flair of Romain Gavras, reminiscent of his work in “The World Is Yours,” presented at the same Directors’ Fortnight three years prior. Bajrami’s film boasts inspired camerawork and visually arresting scenes, empowering the women on screen even further.
In conclusion, the Directors’ Fortnight showcased a filmmaker whose thematic depth, technical mastery, and cinematic flair mark her as a talent to watch in the industry.
