Imagine the movie “Footloose” unfolding in a small village nestled in Northern Macedonia today, and that’s the essence of the heartwarming film debut by writer-director Georgi M. Unkovski, titled “DJ Ahmet“.
In a secluded Yuruk farming village where faith and tradition rule over both the elderly and the youth, the dramedy unfolds around a 15-year-old shepherd who finds solace from his daily struggles in electronic dance music. The rhythm of the beats gives him the strength to face the anger of his authoritative and stern father, but also allows him to forge a bond with a girl living in a neighboring household who yearns for an escape from their small town.
In the world cinema competition at Sundance, the movie DJ Ahmet exhibits a smooth, appealing vibe that might attract streaming platforms or independent distributors. The film humorously challenges some Muslim traditions, but always in a respectful manner, while offering an endearing coming-of-age storyline that’s slightly conventional.
As a captivated spectator, I find myself immersed in the narrative, where the protagonist, Ahmet, finds himself abruptly torn from his school life and thrust onto the familiar soil of our family farm. Morning and night, I become a shepherd, tallying the very sheep that roam our land. My father, Aksel Mehmet, displays scant tolerance for my whimsical musings, while my younger brother, Naim, has remained silent since the tragic demise of our mother.
In stark contrast to the picturesque landscapes of North Macedonia, there lies a rigid world ruled by devout patriarchy, where life appears unchanged over centuries. Yet, the unexpected happens when we see Ahmet stray from his farm under the cover of night, chasing after his neighbor Aya (Dora Akan Zlatanova), as she heads towards an underground rave party. The twist becomes even more astonishing when Ahmet’s flock of sheep follow him onto the dance floor, creating a viral sensation that catapults Ahmet into local fame.
In the movie Unkovski, I found myself drawn to the unexpected juxtapositions that painted a vivid picture of the younger village folk. Caught between the rigors of traditional faith and the allure of modern technology, they turned to smartphones, Bluetooth speakers, and EDM remixes as a means of self-discovery. The music in this film was particularly striking, especially for young Naim who would dance whenever he got the chance. In a household shrouded by grief and under the stern rule of a mourning father, the rhythm and joy brought by the music offered a glimmer of hope.
Ahmet’s stories, which revolve around his growing independence from his father and his blossoming relationship with Aya (who is being forced into an arranged marriage by her strict father), follow predictable paths. However, they are made engaging by a friendly portrayal of the characters and some recurring jokes that work effectively, particularly one about a minaret whose call to prayer repeatedly malfunctions, eventually playing a significant role in the plot as it unfolds in the final act.
Naum Doksevski, the director and cinematographer of “Housekeeping for Beginners”, illuminate the movie with a radiant golden hue, deviating significantly from the somber tones often found in arthouse films set in the ex-Balkans. To accentuate the dance scenes, they employ slow-motion and fluid camerawork, creating a unique blend of enchantment and MTV-like dynamism that sets these sequences apart from other film segments in an intriguing manner.
With an essentially inexperienced cast, Unkovski manages to elicit genuine, natural performances from them, particularly the endearing newcomer Jakup. Portraying a teenager with a sun-scorched face from laboring outdoors all day and who appears in almost every scene wearing the same soiled jumpsuit, Jakup progressively unveils Ahmet as a genuine rebel disguised beneath his rustic persona, reminiscent of Kevin Bacon’s style. Despite the character never truly being an actual DJ, he successfully performs the essential duty of all good DJs: maintaining the rhythm.
Read More
- Major League Soccer Will Move Studio Shows to WWE Headquarters in Expanded Deal with IMG
- Million-Dollar Crypto Scandal: Abra Pays Up in SEC Settlement
- Katrina Kaif’s Stunning Reaction to Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Trailer Will Leave You Speechless!
- Path of Exile 2: How To Find & Unlock the Realmgate
- Overwatch 2 Just Released Its Version of VALORANT’s Night Market
- NewsNation Taps Leland Vittert to Replace Dan Abrams
- Kenzo To Host Men’s-Focused January Show & Separate Women’s Show in March
- L.A. Rams NFL Playoff Game Moves to Arizona Due to Wildfires
- ‘Fast & Furious’ Feud Continues After Vin Diesel’s “Petty” Gesture at Golden Globes
- Damon Wayans on Why He “Purposefully” Got Himself Fired From ‘SNL’: “I Snapped”
2025-01-24 07:24