Why Era?
“Era” in Albanian has three meanings: wind, smell, and era as a period of time. It reflects the time in which the story is set—“Winds of Change” and “Smelling like a New
Era.” Most importantly, it’s the name of our heroine.

Who is Era?
Era is a powerful character. She’s rebellious, refuses to conform, and is determined to choose her own path. I believe every woman can find a part of herself in Era. She
stands for courage—for those who feel voiceless, she shows it’s possible to push through and fight for yourself.

Are you Era?
The best gift of my childhood was when my father brought home a VHS recorder as payment for loading trucks. My parents had just lost their jobs as journalists at Radio
Pristina due to political unrest. We were barely making ends meet, but I had movies—and that gave me freedom.
Watching films became my escape. That’s when I started to dream. I wanted to tell stories. I wanted to find my voice in a world where we were often silenced. In that
sense, yes—I am Era, and she speaks with my voice.

Is Era a true story?
Era is inspired by real events and the lives of people who lived in Kosovo at that time. It draws from my life and the collective memory of a generation navigating
upheaval.

Why this story?
When I started working on Era, I never imagined how timely and universal it would become. The world can change in a second—we saw it again during the pandemic.
This is a story about resilience and reinvention. I wanted to make a film that offers hope, even in the darkest moments.

Why focus on a teenager’s story?
Because teenagers feel everything more deeply. During that era, I was one myself—trapped between obedience and the need to define who I was.
As a teen, you’re raw, emotional, searching. I wanted to reflect that journey. The fear, the questions, the longing for a future. We were all looking for a way out.

The film explores patriarchy. Why?
In times of crisis, people return to tradition. In Era, we see how matriarchal systems can still enforce patriarchal values.
The grandmother pressures Era’s father to conform. Women were taught to endure—and in doing so, they often upheld limiting systems.
I wanted to show different generations of women under one roof, each responding to fear and control in their own way. Era refuses that path—she wants more.

Where was the film shot?
The story is set in the 1990s, so finding the right locations was key. Most villages were rebuilt after the war, but we found one near a coal plant where time felt frozen.
Many houses remained untouched. That atmosphere was essential.

How did you find Zana Berisha, who plays Era?
The moment I saw her audition, I knew she was the one. She had this rebellious spark. She was still in acting school, with no experience—but she was Era. Her energy,
her quiet strength—it was all there. We rehearsed a lot, and she gave everything. I feel lucky to have found her.

You worked with major names. Tell us about them.
I’m honored to work with some of Kosovo’s best actors—many of whom have starred in award-winning films.
Alban Ukaj, for example, appeared in Tori and Lokita and Quo Vadis, Aida? He’s also a childhood friend—we both lived that world.
Irena Aliu studied acting in private homes when it was forbidden. That connection runs through the whole cast. They brought their truth to the story.

Why was it important to capture that energy on screen?
These were difficult times—but also beautiful in their own way. We were grateful for life, and for each other.
We shared bread, warmth, joy. We recycled everything and made the most of every moment.
That spirit—of survival and love—is what I wanted the audience to feel. It’s what kept us going. And I believe it’s what will connect audiences to Era.