DIRECTOR: Robert Budina
STARRING: Gresa Pallaska, Arben Bajraktaraj, Adem Karaga, Iancu Paulo, Gerhard Koloneci
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 31 minutes
LANGUAGE: Albanian, Italian
Aida, a strong 45 year old woman and city hall manager, has built a successful career in a small Southern Albanian town by the shore of Lake Ohrid, who now has to fight against the infernal machine of a corrupt system when her teenage son Mark becomes involved in a rape scandal that could send him to jail.
***
Waterdrop is the latest film from director Robert Budina. This is the second time that he's also representing Albania at the Oscars, with his previous film being Agon in 2013. The film made its worldwide debut in theatres across the country in September 2024, and it screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival in October 2024.
The National Center of Cinematography announced on September 17th that Waterdrop has been chosen to represent Albania in the Oscar race. The selection commission unanimously voted for Waterdrop as their final choice.
The film is produced by Sabina Kodra with Era Film Production.
Waterdrop is a thriller drama and it was filmed in Pogradec by Lake Ohrid in Albania.
To check out all previous submissions for Albania, click HERE.
STARRING: Gresa Pallaska, Arben Bajraktaraj, Adem Karaga, Iancu Paulo, Gerhard Koloneci
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 31 minutes
LANGUAGE: Albanian, Italian
Aida, a strong 45 year old woman and city hall manager, has built a successful career in a small Southern Albanian town by the shore of Lake Ohrid, who now has to fight against the infernal machine of a corrupt system when her teenage son Mark becomes involved in a rape scandal that could send him to jail.
***
Waterdrop is the latest film from director Robert Budina. This is the second time that he's also representing Albania at the Oscars, with his previous film being Agon in 2013. The film made its worldwide debut in theatres across the country in September 2024, and it screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival in October 2024.
The National Center of Cinematography announced on September 17th that Waterdrop has been chosen to represent Albania in the Oscar race. The selection commission unanimously voted for Waterdrop as their final choice.
The film is produced by Sabina Kodra with Era Film Production.
Waterdrop is a thriller drama and it was filmed in Pogradec by Lake Ohrid in Albania.
To check out all previous submissions for Albania, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Your freedom is more important than the promise you made to someone.”
Waterdrop, the latest film by Albanian director Robert Budina, is a compelling and visually striking drama that dives deeply into the moral complexities of family, power, and social complicity. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ohrid in the town of Pogradec, the film’s atmospheric beauty contrasts poignantly with its powerful narrative on corruption and entrenched patriarchy. Budina's direction is unflinching as he presents a layered story of one woman's reckoning within a system that values appearance over truth. This Albanian Oscar submission is a bold, thought-provoking entry that leaves a lasting impact.
Gresa Pallaska delivers a powerhouse performance as Aida, a high-ranking city official and mother who learns her teenage son, Mark, may have committed a terrible act against a classmate. Pallaska brings an intense depth to Aida’s character, portraying her struggle with raw authenticity as she balances her desire to protect her son with the disturbing reality of her own complicity in a toxic system. Aida is an unforgettable antihero, torn between the love of her family and a growing awareness of her own role in a morally compromised world. Pallaska’s ability to convey Aida's layered emotions is nothing short of extraordinary, anchoring the film’s moral core.
The screenplay, crafted by Budina, Doruntina Basha, and Ajola Daja, is tight and incisive, with a powerful narrative arc that guides Aida's journey from denial to painful self-awareness. Budina's storytelling excels in depicting both external and internal conflicts, allowing the characters to reveal their values and contradictions through intense, authentic interactions. The dialogue is poignant, particularly in Aida’s exchanges with her husband, Ilir, where Budina frames the marital tension with a sharp realism that mirrors Aida’s evolving perspective. The script doesn't shy away from complex emotions, achieving a balanced portrayal of flawed, relatable individuals.
Waterdrop is stunning, with cinematographer Marius Panduru using contrasting color schemes to capture the town’s charm and its moral decay. The warmth of Aida's home juxtaposes with the cold blues and grays of the town, creating a subtle but effective representation of Aida’s fractured world. Budina takes full advantage of Lake Ohrid's mythical and mysterious aura, adding a symbolic layer to the storyline as Aida grapples with unseen forces, both social and personal. These choices elevate the film's storytelling, allowing it to remain grounded while subtly enhancing its thematic impact.
Waterdrop is a triumph showing Budina’s skillful hand in exploring complex social issues with nuance and empathy. It’s a deeply human story of complicity, self-discovery, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. By using Aida’s character to confront larger issues of patriarchy and power, the film reaches beyond a single narrative, offering a universal exploration of the hidden costs of privilege and corruption. Budina’s commitment to tackling challenging themes and Pallaska’s remarkable performance make Waterdrop a must-watch, resonating long after the credits roll.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Your freedom is more important than the promise you made to someone.”
Waterdrop, the latest film by Albanian director Robert Budina, is a compelling and visually striking drama that dives deeply into the moral complexities of family, power, and social complicity. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ohrid in the town of Pogradec, the film’s atmospheric beauty contrasts poignantly with its powerful narrative on corruption and entrenched patriarchy. Budina's direction is unflinching as he presents a layered story of one woman's reckoning within a system that values appearance over truth. This Albanian Oscar submission is a bold, thought-provoking entry that leaves a lasting impact.
Gresa Pallaska delivers a powerhouse performance as Aida, a high-ranking city official and mother who learns her teenage son, Mark, may have committed a terrible act against a classmate. Pallaska brings an intense depth to Aida’s character, portraying her struggle with raw authenticity as she balances her desire to protect her son with the disturbing reality of her own complicity in a toxic system. Aida is an unforgettable antihero, torn between the love of her family and a growing awareness of her own role in a morally compromised world. Pallaska’s ability to convey Aida's layered emotions is nothing short of extraordinary, anchoring the film’s moral core.
The screenplay, crafted by Budina, Doruntina Basha, and Ajola Daja, is tight and incisive, with a powerful narrative arc that guides Aida's journey from denial to painful self-awareness. Budina's storytelling excels in depicting both external and internal conflicts, allowing the characters to reveal their values and contradictions through intense, authentic interactions. The dialogue is poignant, particularly in Aida’s exchanges with her husband, Ilir, where Budina frames the marital tension with a sharp realism that mirrors Aida’s evolving perspective. The script doesn't shy away from complex emotions, achieving a balanced portrayal of flawed, relatable individuals.
Waterdrop is stunning, with cinematographer Marius Panduru using contrasting color schemes to capture the town’s charm and its moral decay. The warmth of Aida's home juxtaposes with the cold blues and grays of the town, creating a subtle but effective representation of Aida’s fractured world. Budina takes full advantage of Lake Ohrid's mythical and mysterious aura, adding a symbolic layer to the storyline as Aida grapples with unseen forces, both social and personal. These choices elevate the film's storytelling, allowing it to remain grounded while subtly enhancing its thematic impact.
Waterdrop is a triumph showing Budina’s skillful hand in exploring complex social issues with nuance and empathy. It’s a deeply human story of complicity, self-discovery, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. By using Aida’s character to confront larger issues of patriarchy and power, the film reaches beyond a single narrative, offering a universal exploration of the hidden costs of privilege and corruption. Budina’s commitment to tackling challenging themes and Pallaska’s remarkable performance make Waterdrop a must-watch, resonating long after the credits roll.
