Workers’ Wings
2024 | 19' | Documentary
Men who, after a construction site injury, whisper their dreams:
How do they feel? What are their hopes? What does the future hold for them? Signs of the accident, signs of suffering. Every line on their faces sculpted by life itself.
In contrast, large constructions loom overhead, symbolising anguish and injustice.
CREDITS
| Writer / Director: | Ilir Hasanaj |
| Montage: | Enis Saraçi |
| Cinematography: | Vigan Nimani |
| Research: | Dafina Halili |
| Korab Mala | |
| Mentor Mahmuti | |
| Producer: | Ilir Hasanaj |
| Arvan Berisha | |
| Sound Design: |
Enis Saraçi |
| Music: |
Vigan Nimani |
| Sound Mix: |
Simon Walker |
| Graphic Design: |
Urtina Hoxha |
| Production: | Unseen Films |
FESTIVALS / AWARDS
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
It happened while I was working on my debut feature, “me dasht’ me dasht’ me dasht’” (To Want, to Need, to Love). I was in “Hackerspace”, a co-working community located near the top of a steady rise, where Prishtina’s Aktash neighbourhood merges seamlessly into Sunny Hill. The day was hot and still, perhaps so still that something was wrong. As I nipped out during a quick break in filming, heading in the direction of my favorite burektore, I heard a scream. As I got closer, I saw a man, probably in his 60s, lying in the road. Blood was coming from his head. And he continued to scream, non-stop, in agony.
The old man had fallen from improvised construction scaffolding, probably from a height of at least two to three meters — and he was badly injured. As I scanned around, I noticed that there was no helmet, nor any other workplace safety equipment, in sight.Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered, an ambulance had been called and we waited there, somewhat helplessly, for assistance to arrive. As we stood there in those long minutes waiting for the emergency crew, the air filled with the old man’s piercing cry, I decided I had to make a documentary film about these workers, who have an accident at work and find their lives changed forever. Sometimes it takes their whole life.
Over the years, reports of workplace accidents in Kosovo have increased; From 2021 – 2023, 763 accidents at the workplace were officially reported — and 33 deaths. But these figures are assumed to be just the tip of the iceberg. The real numbers must be much higher.
For a long time, this subject has been marked by inactivity and silence. Through this film, I want to give these people the voice they deserve; gentle, sincere and dignified — but also powerful.
PRESS
Workers’ Wings wins Tiger Shorts Award at IFFR 2024
Ilir Hasanaj’s deeply empathetic documentary… – The Filmverdict
“Krahët e punëtorëve” me rrëfime tmerri triumfon në Roterdam – KOHA (Shqip)
Entretien avec Ilir Hasanaj – Le Polyester (Français)
来自过去的回响”| 采访科索沃纪录短片《劳工之翼》导演Ilir Hasanaj (qq.com) – Jilu Commune (Mandarin)