Film: DJ Ahmet

Ahmet (Arif Jakup) - a 15 year old boy from a remote Yuruk village in North Macedonia copes with a dignity beyond his years in an oppressive situation in the opening scenes of this delightful debut feature film from writer/director Georgi M Unkovski.

Ahmet's over-strict father has taken him out of school to look after the family sheep. He is also caring for his little brother Naim (Agush Agushev) who has been completely mute since the recent death of their mother. The father spends a fortune taking the poor child to a scary traditional healer - to no avail.

In comes Aya, a gutsy teenager who has been living in Germany. She's been brought home for an arranged marriage to someone she doesn't seem very impressed with.

When he's not working with the sheep, Ahmet finds refuge in music and demonstrates technical skill - advising the local Imam on how to make a broadcast from the local mosque. He also manages to adapt a tractor to become a mobile DJ set.

In some ways this is a traditional coming of age film, but there were several unexpected querky scenes throughout the film, which had the audience burst into spontaneous laughter. Besides the heartwarming story and charming performances - the film is worth seeing for the gorgeous North Macedonian locations and the exotic colourful Yuruk costumes. (I'd like one of those dresses myself!)

DJ Ahmet, has already won awards at several prestigious festivals - among them: the Sundance Film Festival; the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival; Venice Film Festival; Antalya Film Festival and Nantucket Film Festival. It deserves to win more.

Watch the official trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHBATVjjLWY