Scriptwriter
Born:
01.03.1986, Peje (Kosovo)
Education:
BA in Acting, Faculty of Arts, University of Prishtine, Kosovo
Place of Residence:
Prishtine (Kosovo)
Biography
Armend Smajli is a resident actor of the National Theatre of Kosova who has played in many theatre plays and films in the Southeast European Region. Since 2015 he also works as a screenwriter. His first script for the short movie DRITA has been supported by the Kosova Cinematography Center, which is planned to be completed in October 2017. In this short movie Armend Smajli is also a main producer. His second script for the short movie ZONA in 2017 was also supported by the Kosova Cinematography Center.
Sample of previous work
Projects in development
DRITA
short fiction
developed script
During 1999 in one of the cities of Kosovo we see Drita, an isolated deaf woman who is smelling that the war is coming from the village to the city.
Attached to the project: co-writer, director, producer
Looking for: producer, co-producer
Keywords: women, isolation, order, light, curtain, soldier, family
ZONA / ZONE
short fiction
first draft of the script
A social reality from a developed European country which is based on peace, equality, integration etc. can be questioned when terrorism is involved.
Attached to the project: co-writer, director
Looking for: producer, co-producer
Keywords: immigrant, luck, attack, safety, goal, terror, fans
Filmography and Awards
DRITA, short film in development by Rita Krasniqi, writer/producer
ZONA, short film in development by Astrit Kabashi, co-writer
My five favourite films
- Hunger (2008)
by Steve McQueen - The Distinguished Citizen (2016)
by Oscar Martinez - Jamon, Jamon (1992)
by Bigs Luna - Biutiful (2010)
by Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu - Slogans (2012)
by Gjergj Xhuvani
Favourite scene I wrote
ENT. DRITA’S FLAT – NIGHT
Drita is followed by a camera from behind, as she runs in panic towards the door to the other room. She tries to open it but someone pushes from the other side. She tries again, but someone pushes back. Drita is in rage, she makes a step moving behind, gathering strength to push the door, and in all her force she opens it.
During this door slamming we see that on the other side of the door is the girl that has been pushed to the floor by the push of the door from Drita’s opening it.
She is now lying on the floor and hardly manages to stand up. We see that her face is red from the hand of the commander, as he tried to keep her subdued.
The traumatized girls looks at Drita.
GIRL
(using sign language)
Where were you mother? I am fine, fine…
The communication lets us understand that both mother and daughter are deaf mute.
My favourite film quote
“That was the most fun I’ve ever had without laughing”
–
Annie Hall (1977)
