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Hive

Name: Hive
Director: Blerta Basholli
Released: 2021
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2021

Director

Blerta Basholli

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Hive is a progressive work that disrupts conventional Balkan cinema by centering women's ability to drive the story. It successfully shifts the narrative focus from victimhood to professional empowerment, challenging the systemic constraints of its post-conflict setting. The film excels in its sophisticated deconstruction of gendered power dynamics. By prioritizing the protagonist's intellectual and professional autonomy, it moves beyond mere inclusion to actively challenge traditional social hierarchies. While the film provides deep cultural specificity, it lacks LGBTQ+ representation and does not feature characters with disabilities. However, its strong critique of patriarchal customs elevates its overall impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Hive have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters. The story focuses solely on gender-related issues within a traditional social framework.

How does Hive portray gender?

Excellent

The story centers on a woman navigating a patriarchal rural society with high levels of ability to act. Her journey to establish a midwifery vocation directly challenges domestic limitations and traditional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hive?

Good

The film offers an authentic portrayal of Kosovar/Albanian identity. It avoids Western-centric clichés by favoring a grounded, localized reality over globalized media structures.

How does Hive represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques traditionalist power dynamics by portraying communal institutions as obstacles to progress. It explores the tension between rigid customs and the necessity of modernization.

Does Hive include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities being used as central plot devices. The film does not portray specific disability ability to act.

Present on Screen

High levels of women's ability to drive the story and professional autonomy
Authentic and localized Kosovar/Albanian cultural portrayal
Effective critique of traditionalist and patriarchal social structures

Limited or Absent

Absence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships
Lack of representation regarding characters with visible or invisible disabilities

Official Synopsis

Fahrije’s husband has been missing since the war in Kosovo so she sets up her own small business to provide for her kids, but as she fights against a patriarchal society that does not support her, she faces a crucial decision: to wait for his return, or to continue to persevere.

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