Nrecaj, a German-born filmmaker, traces her roots to the Balkans.
My great aunt was a Burrnesha, she writes in a directors statement.
She lived in a remote village in the northern Albanian Alps.
‘House with a Voice’Filmkantine UG
A house without a man has no voice in the village community.
As a Burrnesha, my great aunt had something that other women didnt have.
She had a voice.
‘House with a Voice’Filmkantine UG
She was free in her decisions and she could move freely in public.
She combined both the masculine and the feminine.
Berlin-based Templin grew up in Germany and Argentina.
What I say or not.
Who I am or who I am not.
I have always found the social distribution of roles between men and women questionable.
Templin first learned about the Burrneshas through a photographic exhibition.
The Burrneshas, she writes, have chosen the path of self-determined life with all its consequences.
None of them regretted their decision.
Isnt that what we should all do?
To remain true to oneself and to live according to it.
Regardless of gender and conventions, regardless of society-made restrictions and boxes.
Perhaps therein lies the secret of meaning and happiness.
The experience with the Burrneshas has expanded my mind.
I hope that the spark will also spread to the audience.
Stranger Film Sales, based in France, is handling international sales ofHouse with a Voice.
In addition to Fridays world premiere,House with a Voicewill screen on Sunday, March 10.
Ruoyao Jane Yao is the production consultant.
Alfred Nrecaj is the cinematographer; Evelyn Rack edited the film.
