International Art House Series
In this clash of modernity and tradition, DJ Ahmet reminds us all that music is a universal language. IU Cinema's first North Macedonian film presentation!
Ahmet, a 15-year-old boy from a remote Yuruk village in North Macedonia, finds refuge in music while navigating his father’s expectations, a conservative community, and his first experience with love—a girl whose future is already promised to someone else. Georgi M. Unkovski's debut feature is a delightfully inspiring tale as old as time, told in a romantic and rebellious new way. A devoted shepherd longing for more than green pastures and the bleating of his faithful herd, Ahmet enlists his younger brother Naim to help him capture the attention (and hopefully, affections) of village beauty Aya, who is begrudgingly betrothed to another. Did we mention there's a banging soundtrack and neon pink sheep to move the plot along? Winner of the Sundance World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision. [99 min; comedy, drama; Turkish, Macedonian, and English with English subtitles]
This screening is supported by the Institute for European Studies, a Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence.
"It’s a tale as old as time: boy meets beats, beats meet resistance, and life turns into a remix of rebellion." — Jon Nergroni, InBetweenDrafts
"Unkovski’s coming-of-age comedy finds much to smile about in a North Macedonian village where conservative traditions clash with modern times." — Peter Howell, Toronto Star
"A quiet little underdog story, but with enough charm to engage any audience. Plus, there's a pink sheep who is frankly iconic." — Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
