Mrika Krasniqi is a very gifted writer and director, who is particularly good at mixing psychological dramas with "thought-provoking" scripts, as was mentioned by NY Elite Magazine.
She has become one of the most respected filmmakers in the business, who is recognized for her works in short, feature and documentary films. Krasniqi was named “Woman of the Year” by Senator Charles Schumer, of the U.S.Congress, and she discussed that with London Prestige Mag in an interview this week. They also mentioned that she was named an“Ambassador for Peace” by the Universal Peace Federation.
Recently, she had an interview with NY Elite Magazine who wrote that she told them "a little bit more about her beginnings in the Film Industry and projects she did in the past, but most importantly her plans for the future."
I also had an opportunity to talk to her about her established career in the film industry.
Beginnings in the film industry
Sabina: Mrika, can you tell me about your entry into the film industry?
Mrika: I studied my BA degree in Dramatic Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Prishtina. And I earned two masters in Multimedia and Arts from the University of Prishtina and Public Administration from Dardania University in Kosovo. My first job was at the national broadcasting media in Kosovo, the Radio and Television ofKosovo (RTK).
I worked as the editor in charge of the documentary program. Some of the documentaries I wrote and directed included "Grounds of Art in Kosovo," "The Art of Cotton," winner of Best Director, "Veli Gervalla," and "The Groove of Hope." Then I worked for a popular TV station, TV Klan where I wrote and directed "Do You Want a Cigar" (2001) and "Room 135" (2002).
I founded my own film company Nil Production in 2002 in Kosovo, and in 2014 I opened the New York Branch, where I reside. I have been making films for over twenty years as a director, writer, and producer.
Sabina: How has film industry changed your life?
Mrika: I am very passionate about making films, organizing film festivals and creating a network/platform for all filmmakers.
I organise two very successful projects every year: the international Filmmaker Festival of New York and the International Screenwriting Competition. Film has opened many doors for me that bring about positive change and make a difference in my community and around the world. I have been blessed to take on many humanitarian and non-profit causes that are very close to my heart, such as women rights, domestic violence, theJewish question, anti-trafficking of human beings and human rights.
Sabina: Where do you think is the best place to be as a filmmaker and why?
Mrika: I think Europe remains the top favourite place for non-commercial types of film, also known as Film Auteur, whereas the United States is known as the place for adventure and science fiction films.
There are many talented filmmakers in the world today who can’t choose one place or the other. But no matter where you live geographically, it is important to adapt to your creative vision.
Best projects to date
Sabina: What are your best projects to date?
Mrika: As a filmmaker, I like to push myself and my creativity further with every project. I like to think of my best work as if it is still in the making. Some of my films that have won awards and received critical acclaim internationally include “Proof” (2018), “Soldier” (2014). The latter was the winner of Best Human Artist by the European Community of Jewish Artists EJCP, France, and the Certificate of Honor by the Producers Network at Cannes Film Festival in France.
“Four Chimneys” (2013), was the winner of Production Award in Drita Festival in Kosovo. “Goli Otok” (2010), was the winner of Best Organizer in One World Fest in Kosovo. “World’s Noblemen” (2009), won Best Documentary in New York. Then there was “The Land of Kelmend” (2008), winner of Best Social Documentary in the Los Angeles Film Festiva,l and winner of Best Audience in Zagreb Documentaries in Croatia. “Art of Cotton” (2004), was the winner of Best Director in Poland.
Upcoming projects
Sabina: Do you have any interesting Film or TV projects coming up?
Mrika: Three months ago, I finished shooting my feature film “Proof,” which I wrote and directed. Now we are in post-production and editing. We are working very hard and hope to release it in November.
"Proof" is a psychological drama, and it was shot in New York. This film is dedicated to the 10,000 children of Kosovo whose parents were killed during the 1999 war. My next feature film is called “Nik,” which we plan to start shooting in January 2019. I am the screenwriter of Nik, produced by Nil Production, in collaboration with Dardan Studio. Nik talks about a child born and raised in prison. At the age of five, he is sent to an orphanage, but Nik has a hard time adapting to the new reality
