Director: Georgi M.Unkovski / North Macedonia / 2025 / 99 mins
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, with a girl already promised to someone else.
From this familiar premise, this utterly charming film spins magic, as it draws us into the tale of a teenager constrained not just by a conformist society, but by his father who is submerged in grief. Coping with a younger son who refused to speak since his mother’s departure, this family is in trouble.
However, the spirit of the film, its joy in youth, hope, music and dance overcomes all constraints.
With naturalistic performances from the lead cast, many of whom are non-professionals, a dazzling pink sheep, and some unexpected twists and turns – then suddenly all forms of oppression seem possible to cast off. The liberation that results is both heartening and moving.
“Sundance award-winning DJ Ahmet is a revelation.” – Variety
Winner: Audience Award – Sundance Film Festival 2025
Special Jury Award for Creative Vision – Sundance Film Festival 2025
