10 years of Hopes and Fears

A journey started 10 years ago, one that inspired, moved and changed the face of a city.

Vullnet Sanaja

The journey of dozens of young people in the mountainous, westernmost city of the youngest country in Europe started ten years ago. Their hope? To share with their community the power of animated films and their struggle to give life to a city that had seen horrors some years ago still continues.

I always had trouble explaining how it all started. I am  someone who has organized community led festivals and understands the thrill that goes on in planning these lovely and mesmerizing experiences, designed to be shared with those who appreciate the art of film, I understand what goes on in making them happen. All the dedication, the hardships, the love, the fears, and the hopes involved, makes this process hook you for years. It’s not just that they happen every year that gets you, but also it is more the idea of fostering progress and evolution in the communities we live in. Because of what goes into making them, I think it is quite hard to pinpoint what exactly starts them.

Before Anibar, there were no opportunities for young artists to attend any professional training in animation or any options to screen their animated films. Besides Anibar’s week-long workshops during the festivals,two years ago we also established the Anibar Animation Academy in Peja and Prishtina. This created an opportunity for our young animators to learn the basics of this art-form all year round. This engagement has produced results beyond our comprehension. We are amazed by the talent and hard work that our young artists have shared with us. We are lucky to have had the opportunity to work with those among us who are courageous enough to make bold statements through their art and have this limitless eagerness to learn.

Providing opportunities for education for the first generation of animators in the youngest country in Europe has produced stories that will be shared for years to come. The story of the girl who started attending the week-long workshops, held her own workshops, curated film programs, and just recently got her animation degree. This makes her the first Kosovar woman with a degree in animation. The stories of young artists who attended masterclasses, presentations, and trainings who now are producing their own animated films. The first Kosovar stop motion animated film  will have its premier this year at the festival. Stories that inspire and empower us in providing training in this art-form for all.

Our manifesto speaks that our engagement is for all, regardless of their background. It is one that unites us all in becoming active citizens. Three years ago, we started the process of revitalizing the only cinema in Peja, the “Jusuf Gërvalla” Cinema. This process that has enabled us to witness firsthand the resilience of our community when under threat and to understand the importance the community uniting to protect the public interest. This has fostered  more active citizens and opened opportunities to empower a new generation of change makers. The last two years we began another process of turning the cinema into an all year active cultural center whose mission is to break the civic apathy through cultural activism.

This edition of the festival we have engaged ourselves into another initiative, one that suggests that exploring our hopes and fears we will be able to inspire action. One that deals with the rising indifference in the face of challenges that threaten not only our civilization but also our existence. An initiative that motivates us to change our behaviors in order to improve our collective actions for the protection of the rights of those who lack a voice or for the protection of our collective home – the Earth. This edition of the festival we have a call for all those who believe that we still have the power to change things for the better. If is necessary to become vulnerable and explore what it is that they hope and what it is that they fear and let go of the strings that keep us attached to the comfort zone. Like those young activists 10 years ago who lived in one of the most apathetic cities – in the most western city of the youngest country in Europe to stand up, raise their voice and act upon their ideals while using art as a means to inspire action.

As for Anibar…We look forward to another 10, 20,30 and more years of hopes and fears!