In a tale of courage and determination, Ardit Sadiku, a renowned Albanian filmmaker, has embarked on a new project. His upcoming film, “Alexander,” chronicles the remarkable true story of Alexander Gruda, an ordinary ship mechanic who defied all odds during the fall of Communism in Albania in 1990.
Born out of a desire to bring to light stories of human struggle for freedom, “Alexander” delves into a pivotal moment in history when Alexander Gruda and his friends devised a daring plan to steal a warship and escape their totalitarian regime. Facing the wrath of mortar guns, helicopters, and machine gun fire, the group set sail, risking everything for a chance at a life of political freedom.
“When I first heard the story of Alexander Gruda, it was something I instantly wanted to make into a film because I gravitate toward stories about the eternal struggle for human freedom,” shared Ardit Sadiku, the visionary director behind the project. “Alexander is one of many people who, living under a totalitarian regime, dreamed of political freedom – but he took action on that dream and did so in shocking, heroic fashion.”
Sadiku’s film aims to transport audiences back in time to September 11, 1990, immersing them in a cinematic experience that vividly captures the sights, sounds, and emotions of the journey undertaken by Alexander Gruda and his family.
Ardit Sadiku, a filmmaker hailing from Shkodër, Albania, has a rich background in capturing the human struggle for freedom through his work. With three narrative features, a short fiction, and two documentary features under his belt, Sadiku has established himself as a talented storyteller with a keen eye for thought-provoking subjects.
“Alexander” is an Albanian-American co-production that was filmed across various locations, including New York City, Albania, Montenegro, and Australia. The film received support from the Albanian National Center of Cinematography (ANCC) and was produced in collaboration with Bayou Road Films, based in the United States.
Ardit Sadiku Film (ASF), Sadiku’s production company, has been at the forefront of creating compelling cinematic experiences. Since its inception in 2016, ASF has produced an impressive range of films, including features, documentaries, and shorts. The company’s films have gained recognition at prestigious international festivals, earning numerous accolades and best film awards along the way.
“Alexander” marks a significant milestone in Ardit Sadiku’s filmmaking journey, capturing the essence of a remarkable tale of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. As the world eagerly awaits the release of this extraordinary film, audiences can prepare to be transported to a time when the indomitable spirit of Alexander Gruda and his companions defied all odds to sail towards a new chapter in their lives.
The film is set to be premiered at Dokufest, a world-famous film festival that takes place in Prizren. This year’s edition will take place between 4-12 August.
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