'change', a short film by doug gillen & void projects, explores the role of art and community in kosovo

scottish filmmaker doug gillen has collaborated with art collective void projects to present ‘change’, a short film exploring the intersection of culture, activism, and social change in ferizaj, kosovo. set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the movie follows 10 international artists reflecting on the history of a country healing from war. in collaboration with the local community, this new generation of creatives discovers the human stories of the city of ferizaj.

art by axel void x helen bur
photo courtesy of aruallan

in ‘change’, void project‘s urban art becomes a visual celebration of connectedness at a time of shared distance. the buildings, locations, people, or their history all played a role in realizing the relationship between the art and the audience. the greater this connection, the more effective the work. ‘exploring the human stories of ferizaj in this way, at this very unique moment in time, felt like an important opportunity to document meaningfully’ says doug gillen. 

art by aruallan x axel void
photo courtesy of aruallan

in addition to artist interventions, void projects in collaboration with mural fest kosovo, developed and implemented a multidisciplinary program including workshops, murals, interventions, exhibitions, and open tours. the socially engaged initiative went beyond the bounds of the traditional festival model, with a view toward inspiring and engaging the young people of ferizaj. working alongside local schools and colleges, they provided workshops and facilitated direct involvement in the production and realization of the festival, to encourage practical learning opportunities.

art by ampparito (WIP)
photo courtesy of doug gillen

‘change’ is the latest in a series of films documenting the global movement of art on the streets, particularly in its momentum advocating for wider social and environmental awareness. the film features the work of ampparito, aruallan, micheal beitz, helen bur, emilio cerezo, doa oa, alba fabre, ivan floro, maria jose gallardo, retry one, zane prater, vlada trocka and axel void and will be on the film festival circuit for the next 6 months, produced by fifth wall TV in collaboration with the kosovo mural festival and void projects. 

art by alba-fabre
photo courtesy of aruallan

artist michael beit (WIP)
photo courtesy of doug gillen

project info:

name: ‘change’ 
filmmaker: doug gillen
in collaboration with: void projects
executive producer: charlotte pyatt
special thanks to: lebibe topalli, ardian ajdini and the team at mural fest kosovo
additional footage from: alma çoçaj and beast bega
translation: verona sopa, emona deda and zane prater
photo journalist: hazir reka

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom