original title:
Saimir
directed by:
screenplay:
cinematography:
editing:
set design:
costume design:
music:
producer:
production:
Orisa Produzioni, supported by Ministero della Cultura
distribution:
country:
Italy
year:
2004
film run:
88'
format:
35mm - colour
aspect ratio:
1.85:1
sound:
Dolby Digital
release date:
29/04/2005
festivals & awards:
The albanian teenager Saimir has known only the harsh life of poverty and illegality. his father makes a dangerous meager living transporting illegal immigrants from the beach to farms in the surrounding countryside. yet, when even this fails to earn a subsistence living, the two are drawn into even more serious criminal human trafficking. a prostitution ring approaches saimir’s father who accepts to transport girls from eastern europe into virtual slavery. and Saimir is forced to help his father. The boy, however, is living in his own secret world filled with the tender discovery of first love. awkward and confused, Saimir tries to express his feelings to the lovely Michela, but only leaves her frightened by his clumsy advances and rough ways. longing to offer the girl a beautiful silver necklace to express his love, he takes part in a robbery with a gang of youths to get the money. saimir realizes, however, how shockingly distant their two worlds are when michela refuses the precious gift. This seemingly simple, yet sharply bitter and revealing experience, is important for the young saimir. it begins to carry the young boy to maturity. refusing to accept the injustice of the corrupt life that has been forced upon him and other young victims, Saimir makes a courageous decision that will change their lives and futures forever.