21st SALENTO INTL FILM FESTIVAL

Alban Zogjani’s latest film, “Ocarina,” tackles the profound and intense theme of immigration, a pressing issue that resonates deeply with humanity. Set in a peaceful English town, the film immerses us in the lives of Shaqa and Selvia, a middle-aged couple from Kosovo who have left their homeland to join their two daughters in the United Kingdom. Their existence, though modest, is dignified: Selvia works as a maid in the luxurious residence of a wealthy Italian businessman, while Shaqa nurtures his passion for woodworking, specializing in the production of wind instruments, including the ocarina, after which the film is named. However, their tranquility is shattered by the arrival of a letter from the Immigration Office denying the renewal of their residence permit, plunging the family into a crisis that threatens to shatter their dreams of a peaceful future. With the sword of deportation hanging over their heads, Shaqa and Selvia face tough choices that test their moral values. The decisions they make will have unforeseen repercussions, not only on themselves but on the entire family, bringing to light the cruel irony of a fate that seems intent on separating them just when they most wish to stay together.

“Ocarina” is a work charged with emotional tension and social critique, exploring the growing gap between individuals and institutions through powerful storytelling and visually captivating scenes. The complexity of the characters, though bordering on caricature at times, only adds depth to the story, making “Ocarina” a must-see film for those who seek a reflection of contemporary society’s most current and burning issues in cinema.