An article published on August 6, 2026 by the Serbian media SD.rs for Kosovar film "Dua” by director Blerta Basholli constructs a narrative that goes beyond film criticism. Through its title and selection of claims, the film is presented as a propaganda project that aims to portray Serbia as the “occupier” and Albanians as mere victims. However, verifiable facts show that some of these conclusions are political interpretations and not proven facts.
From "Dua" to Dua Lipa: the claim of a "marketing strategy"
One of SD.rs' main claims is that the title "Dua" was chosen to capitalize on the fame of singer Dua Lipa and attract the attention of her fans. The article presents this as a deliberate marketing strategy.
However, no evidence is presented by the producers or director to support this claim. Official film sources identify “Dua” as the name of the protagonist, a 13-year-old girl from Pristina.
The idea and narrative of the film
“Dua” is a coming-of-age and war drama set in Pristina in the late 90s. The film follows 13-year-old Dua, played by Pinea Matoshi, as she struggles to navigate adolescence as ethnic tensions and the threat of war grow around her. After an incident that rocks her community, she becomes a target herself and forms a bond with Makin, a more courageous girl who pushes her towards an unusual form of resistance.
The central idea of the film is not to show war only through battles, politics or institutions, but to show it through the experience of a teenager: the changing body, friendships, first love, the desire for freedom and the fear that gradually penetrates into everyday life. The war appears first as a background presence and then becomes a direct part of the character's life.
Director Blerta Basholli, who experienced the war herself as a teenager, he built it The film is based on this personal perspective. This also explains the narrow focus of the narrative: “Dua” is not intended to be a comprehensive history of the conflict, but an intimate account of how war affects a young girl and her generation.
The film is co-production of Kosovo, Switzerland and France, while the script was written by Basholli and Nicole Borgeat. The language of the film is Albanian and Serbian, while in addition to Pineas Matoshi, the cast includes Vlera Bilalli, Kaona Matoshi, Yllka Gashi, Kushtrim Hoxha and others.
"Serbs are only presented as aggressors" and the claim of "occupation"
SD.rs relies on several scenes of violence and discrimination in the film to claim that Serbs are only presented as aggressors, while also calling the use of the term “Serb occupation” a historical falsification. The film does indeed present the Serbian police and some Serbian characters in the context of the violence and fear experienced by Dua’s family, but this does not automatically imply that all Serbs are presented as aggressors. Also, the use of the term “occupation” is part of a controversial political and historical discourse and cannot be treated simply as evidence that the film is falsifying history.
Negative votes on IMDb
Actor Fatmir Spahiu has raised concerns that the film has also faced organized negative votes on IMDb, as part of the online attacks against it. If these votes are coordinated, they can be considered a form of informational interference and hybrid warfare, aimed at influencing public perception of the film.
Success in Cannes and the road to the Oscars
"Dua" had its world premiere at La Semaine de la Critique at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026 and won SACD Award for Screenplay/Direction.
Then, the movie was selected by the Kosovo committee as Kosovo's proposal for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
In this context, narratives that present “Dua” as a calculated project to manipulate international audiences must be distinguished from the facts about the film, its idea, and its journey through international festivals.