Blogging For Kosovo

Isaac — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 06:53:00 +0000

Today marks the one-year anniversary of my dad’s new set of eternal lungs. He’s breathing a lot better now, and for that we should all be grateful.

I’m curious though...as to what he’s doing these days? What’s he doing right now? What’s his new job? Where’s God got him working? Does he have his old afro back? I don’t know, but it’s exciting to think that one day we will meet again...

Addendum:

I had a dream about my dad last night...we were bow hunting when all of a sudden an enormous black bear, about 4 times larger than average, came roaring out of the thick woods. Its growl was paralyzing, and it was running as fast as a cheetah. My dad went after the bear, following it into the dark woods…I was nervously trying to nock my arrow (attaching it to the bowstring), preparing to shoot the bear if it tried to attack my dad. Then in the woods appeared a girl riding a fair colored horse, which seemed to relieve the stress of the outlandishly big black bear. It was as if she had somehow protected us from the bear.

The dream reminds me of one of my dad’s hunting trips when he had a bear approach him. He had no choice but to shoot the oncoming bear with an arrow, causing the bear to take off. Later in the day my dad crossed a path he had taken earlier in the day; he saw the blood of the bear on the path…it was then that he realized that after he had shot the bear, it had been stalking him...looking for revenge.

Isaac — Sun, 28 May 2006 07:56:00 +0000

Today brought back some fond memories of my dad. One memory was sparked by some Lapsang Souchong Tea...it tastes a bit like a camp fire…weird but very good. This took me back to some great times camping up at Ross Lake, as well as in Eastern Washington during our annual fall and winter dear hunting trips.

A little later in the day I had the chance to do some fly fishing in a little pond here somewhere in the middle of Colorado...which again took me back to the countless times we went fishing on some of our family outback adventures. I never really liked fishing much as a kid, but it’s grown on me in my old age…I think it’s the nostalgia, and the ever so rare instance when I actually catch a fish.

My dad always loved to tell the story of when he was fishing and he was the only one catching fish. People were migrating towards him, thinking he’d found the secret fishing hole, so he’d move to another spot, and again be the only one catching fish. Finally, he walked out a few feet into the lake when suddenly a fish jumped right in front of him and he somehow managed to catch it with his bare hands. Not a bad day at the lake...and a story I loved to hear him tell every couple of years.

Today is my dad’s 57th birthday and I’m so glad I had the chance this day to do something he proudly taught me how to do over 25 years ago...fish.

Happy Birthday Dad!

11 Stories...

Isaac — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:26:00 +0000

Here’s a 4 minute clip which shows the arduous journey which one must take to reach the studios of “TV MITROVICA” aka MTV. Here we are laboring up the steps with my friend Aferdita, who helped co-produce Luli’s short film. (Keep in mind, this clip is very rough, and quickly put together…)

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As a side note, which has nothing to do with this clip, today I went on what was to be a short little walk…I decided to head north, up past Main Beach in Laguna. My short walk turned into a 6 hour rock climbing fiasco that finished up in the southern Newport coast. I was walking and climbing around points, discovering new beaches...not wanting to turn around, having to climb back over the same rocks...so I kept going…and going...until finally I was on a rocky bluff, and had this quiet voice whisper in my ear, “If you fall, you’re dead!” I call this voice “fear” or, common sense. With one last rocky point to climb around, before I was home free, at a beach that connected with the Pacific Coast Highway, I removed the battery from my cell phone, (knowing that I could easily fall into the ocean, and lose all of my numbers), and then preceded to take on my last climb of the day. Needless to say, I’m alive, and my cell phone is still working. Soooo, if you’re looking for some nice quaint coves and you’re not afraid of heights, or falling, there are some truly amazing beaches north of Laguna...although, South Laguna still wins the battle of the best hidden beaches!

Video clips coming soon...

Isaac — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:01:00 +0000

I’ve got about 30 minutes of footage cut so far. It is still extremely rough, and the story does not particularly flow, but it’s getting there, slowly but surely. I’d greatly appreciate your prayers this next week, as I am going to be working like crazy, trying to get a 30 minute rough cut off to the Sundance documentary fund; who has a granting review in the next few weeks. I need prayer for creative direction, as to how to best organize my timeline…and get the story flowing.

I will try and get some more clips posted this next week.

Super NFL Conspiracy Bowl 40

Isaac — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 18:58:00 +0000

Well, somehow this all relates to Kosovo…I’m not sure how yet, but I know there's a connection...

Okay…I’m not bitter…well, that’s not true…actually I am bitter, but I’m almost enjoying the bitterness, as if I was looking for a good reason to be bitter, and now I finally have something to target my bitterness towards…the NFL…aka, WWF…where they rig the outcome of games here and there in order to make millions upon millions of dollars…I mean, why not, it’s big business? Actually…this could be the connection with Kosovo. The bitterness, the rigged politics, discrimination, bad policing (officiating), non-neutral playing field…etc…I’m beginning to see how the stories overlap…maybe the title is “Kosovo: Where the NFL went wrong”

I’m curious if anyone else has any thoughts and “Conspiracy” related theories regarding Sunday’s Super Bowl? Or, if anyone has any kind words to help those of us that are lamenting another colossal Seattle sports nightmare...

(as a side note, I did watch the game with a group of Steelers’ fans who were very cordial)

As I see it, along with the ABC commentators, and ESPN analysts, the two touchdowns they mistakenly called back from the Seahawks, and the touchdown, that actually wasn’t a touch down, that they gave to the Steelers; there was a 21 point disparity in the final score…which, if I do my math correctly, means that the Seahawks, who lost by 11 points, would have actually won by 10 points…I’m no math major, but that’s a bit disconcerting.

The associated press, also seemed to raise a few doubts regarding the quality of the NFL officiating…

“That mess directly resulted in 18 lost points — including a disputed Steelers touchdown — two lost first downs, 176 lost yards. And one, bitterly lost Super Bowl.”

Anyhow…
On the bright side, what an amazing season, and alas, today is another day, and deep down I have a sense of pride, knowing that the best team was cheated out of Super Bowl 40 by the worst officiating in the history of the world. So, cheers to the Seahawks, and their ability to keep their heads up after winning the race yet having the gold medal stolen in the land of the yellow flags where the politicians wear black and white. This, I guess, is how it all ties in with Kosovo…life isn’t always fair, in fact it rarely is, yet somehow, through it all, we have to keep our heads up, knowing that it’s not always about winning…but about the journey…(I’m in denial)…

1,211.44 mile drive...

Isaac — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 02:18:00 +0000

Your prayers would be greatly appreciated over the next 24 hours, as I’m driving down to California from Seattle, in a Saab that is filled to the brim…I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more things stuffed into a car…which I’m not necessarily proud of…and which has me a little concerned, as the car looks as though it has been lowered by about six inches. I’ve got an appointment in 24.5 hours, so your prayers for alertness, safety, and timeliness would be truly appreciated!

Go Seahawks!!!

A couple quick clips...

Isaac — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 21:03:00 +0000

Here's a clip shot a few months ago of Luli in the bombed out Trepca Theater. Here he is telling me of his desire to show a film in the destroyed building - hoping to make a statement regarding the other theaters in the area which are occupied by the French military and the UN police.

This clip is outside of Luli’s office…it raises some questions regarding reenactments in documentaries…is it okay to reenact scenes…even when it means tricking the audience into thinking the reenactment was the only enactment?

January Press Release…

Isaac — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 01:24:00 +0000

I thought I would post the January press release that goes out to our sponsors...it gives a brief overview on the past few months in Kosovo. In the next few days I will do my best to have some new rough cut clips up and streaming…

January, 2006 -- With our final shoot taking place in a war-torn, disheveled theater in the town of Trepca, "Kosovo" has officially entered into the editing phase of post production. Having spent the last three months filming and living in the Balkans, we have over 80 hours of footage and a compelling story that portrays life in Kosovo through the eyes and lens of a local filmmaker, Luli Hoti. The documentary follows Luli as he battles to make a short film which deals with the reality of the situation in Kosovo. The vision for Luli's story came to him in a dream and it was this dream that inspired Luli to produce his film, despite the insurmountable odds that he was up against.

Having less than two months to go from conception to completion, Luli's schedule was tight; with a release date set for December 17th in the blown up Trepca theater. Due to the other local venues being occupied by the French Military and the UN Police, Luli knew that the war torn theater in Trepca would serve as a symbolic location for his short film. Once Luli had completed his screen play and began discussing his production with local leaders, actors, and business men, the media also became interested in Luli's timely film. As we followed the progression of Luli's project, the pieces seemed to be falling into place. It was as if everyone Luli met, and everyone he talked to, was a link in the chain, all working towards the proliferation of his short film.

In telling the story of Kosovo, rather than dwelling on the incomprehensible tragedies of the war, or getting entangled in the indiscernible politics, it was our desire to make a documentary that focused on the good rather than the bad. Our intention is to draw the viewer into the story in such a way that the audience feels as though they have tasted the life, people, and culture, of a part of the world that would otherwise remain an uncertain headline.

The process of shooting this film was one which was filled with plenty of excitement, as we found ourselves, along with Luli, in the middle of a story which was quickly unfolding before us. There was a sense of destiny, along with a sense of uncertainty, not knowing the outcome of the very story we were filming. Having first shot in Kosovo in November of 1999, this has been a seven year journey - one that has been filled with countless memories and endless hours of footage.

Because most theaters won't show films that are over one hundred and thirty hours long, we will be spending the next several months editing this footage into a ninety-minute documentary that will likely bring some laughs, possibly a few tears, and hopefully some insights into the land and people of Kosovo...

Merry 11th day of Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Isaac — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:29:00 +0000

Christmas this year was of course very different with dad gone, but it was still incredibly special. It’s times like these when you see the importance of family, and the need to examine your life and reevaluate your priorities. The past few weeks have been a great time to do just that…

Last week our family went on a post-Christmas/New Year’s road trip to Montana. One setback was that we didn’t have an adequate vehicle that would fit seven people, our luggage, and snowboard equipment…fortunately Craigslist came to the rescue! We called up the proud owner of a 1987 Ford Econoline Conversion Van in Monroe, Washington…a few hours later my brother-in-law and I were purchasing the A-Team’esque vehicle…a few hours after that, the seven of us were on our way to Montana!

Long story short, the blue beauty got us to Montana and back, averaging approximately 11mpg. The steering had a fair amount of play, which at one point woke my mom up from a dead sleep, screaming at the top of her lungs, yet even this seemed to be a positive thing in the end. The loose steering had us all in prayer during the drive, and it also kept us awake for most of the trip, facilitating hours of family bonding.

The family bonding continued in Montana, where we stayed for a week with my aunt, uncle and cousins in Bozeman. It turned into an amazing time, filled with great conversations, one emergency room visit, and the partial recording of my cousin Micah’s first rap single…the boys got skills!

Anyhow…all this to say, Christmas Eve with my dad’s side of the family, through New Year’s Day with my mom’s side, was very special this year...my dad would have been proud! (Although I don’t think he would have been too keen on the Ford Econoline Van…)

Have a blessed 2006…

Surprise!!!

Isaac — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 03:49:00 +0000

Here’s a short clip of my mom at 7:30 this morning. I ended up getting home a couple of days early…so I snuck in the house and surprised my mom and sister.

With over 200 pounds of gear to bring home, my buddy Seth flew to Kosovo last Friday in order to help me get my equipment back to the states. We left for the airport on Monday, flew to London Gatwick, bused to Heathrow, where we spent the night in a hotel. The next morning we had to make a last minute flight change…the direct flight to Seattle was no longer a possibility, so we flew to Chicago, where my connecting flight to Seattle filled up, so I then caught a flight to Dallas. With a hundred pounds of carry on, (my camera equipment and 3 months worth of work), the Texan’s weren’t going to let me board with the gratuitous amount of luggage. I explained my situation…told them what was in the bags, and that I had just flown from Eastern Europe…they didn’t seem to care. I attempted to strap miscellaneous bags together, hoping that the Texan’s would consider the highbred bag a single carry on, but this didn’t work either. In a final attempt to board the flight, with my life’s work in hand, I mentioned reading about some carry on exemption for video equipment…which was true…and they finally relented, and let me on the plane.

A few hours later (2:00 am), I was sneaking in my bedroom window, sleeping for a few hours, and then filming the above clip of my mom. It’s great to be home!!!

Thanks to all of you for your prayers…know that they have not only been felt, but seen in tangible ways. Your continued prayers are also greatly appreciated as I attempt to edit down the 80 hours of footage that was shot the past few months - into a 90 minute documentary. In some ways this is the most challenging part of the process, so keep on praying!!!

Anchorman

Isaac — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 23:08:00 +0000

Here's a clip shot a couple of weeks ago of some kids preparing for a show on the local station, TV Mitrovica - aka MTV - Keep in mind this is a serious business meeting and they are being monitored by adults to make sure they stay on task!

Windows Media Player > high > low

Scene 1 - Take 1

Isaac — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 19:09:00 +0000

Well…the “Long Black Cloud” came and went…and without giving away too much, Luli was able to shoot his film this past weekend. Was he able to get all the shots that he needed and do I think he will be able to show his finished film in the blown-up theater in Trepca this Saturday…well, I want to tell you, but I don’t want to ruin the ending! What I can say is that so far I feel good about the story, and though I still have five more days of shooting left, it looks like I should have a documentary that at least my mom, close friends, and family will enjoy! The difficult thing now will be sifting through the 90’ish hours of footage from this trip…and the 50 hours of footage from the past trips...yikes!!!

Anyhow, I’d write more, but I ate something funky yesterday, and apparently got food poisoning…fortunately Habib and Ajeta provided me with some homemade yogurt on steroids, that seemed to have the proper bacterial power to kill the death that entered my stomach last night!

Luli in an unfinished
yet inhabited refugee building

Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door…

Isaac — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:56:00 +0000

Pray that the long black cloud
isn’t comin’ down…

Luli is set to start filming this weekend. He has professional actors, musicians, and even a production company willing to supply cameras, cameramen, and assist with editing…but, the weather. One forecast predicted snow. Today the forecast for the weekend was looking a bit better, but, your prayers would be much appreciated. Prayers that the Lord continues to direct this project – both mine and Luli’s – that the weather, and everything else for that matter, fits into God’s perfect plan! I have less than two weeks left, sooo...before it’s too late – “too dark for me to see” , when “I can’t shoot them anymore” – film Luli and the gang, I ask that you would join me in knockin’ on heaven’s door; asking the almighty to intervene – to protect us from the long black cloud, the darkness brought on by power outages, safety, sanity, vision, wisdom...

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Mama, take this badge off of me
I can't use it anymore.
It's gettin' dark, too dark for me to see
I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Mama, put my guns in the ground
I can't shoot them anymore.
That long black cloud is comin' down
I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

(Robert Zimmerman - aka - Bob Dylan)

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"I'm pledging my time to you, hoping you'll come through too.”

Isaac — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 01:09:00 +0000

Luli filming some Slavic car

Things have been pretty exciting around here lately. Yesterday the Hague war crimes tribunal acquitted two Kosovars, including a political figure, resulting in an impressive public display of support; seen through the lighting of explosives, shooting of machine guns, and the firing of other standard-issue weaponry. Fortunately I was not shot, nor hit by any military ordinance, though a few children were warned not to throw fireworks at or near me.

In the last week, a few other figurative bombs were dropped. On Saturday Luli explained to me, in detail, his schedule over the next few months. As it turns out, he has what I would estimate to be three months of work to do in the next two and a half weeks – literally. This of course adds a little excitement to the documentary, as Luli hasn’t even started shooting his film yet; in fact, he’s still looking for actors, and with essentially no money, this can be a bit difficult. Along with this, he’s lacking the needed permission to shoot at one of the film’s key locations, but he knows a security guard that may be able to sneak he and his crew in. So, this of course has made things a bit interesting, and with a December 17th scheduled film debut, time is running short.

Luli is an artist through and through, which manifests itself in various ways; namely, a lack of organizational and structural skills, a tendency to over commit, and a struggle to fulfill all of his “over commitments.” In the next several weeks Luli has two local magazines he has to publish, several conferences he needs to organize as well as facilitate, and a 9 to 5 job that entails various other obligations. I know I’m forgetting a few things, and I’m sure Luli is too, but that’s the bulk of what he has to accomplish here in the next couple of weeks, all the while attempting to shoot, edit, and debut his film.

As Bob Dylan said, "I'm pledging my time to you, hoping you'll come through too." I’ve pledged my time to this project, and to Luli, knowing that without him or his film, the documentary would wilt and die. Of course, all of this drama is exciting, and it has created a more dynamic story, but being in the middle of it all, not knowing the outcome myself, I just hope I’m not being setup for some colossal lesson in humility (I thought that was what my college basketball experience was all about). Over the past few months, Luli has not only become the central character of my film, he’s become a good friend, and I would like nothing more than to see him succeed in his dream to become a filmmaker! So, with just a few weeks left, I would greatly appreciate any and all prayers that I can solicit, both for myself and for Luli, that we pledge our time and come through too!

Pray for:
Vision
Discipline
Protection
Discernment
Completion

Thanksgiving

Isaac — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 00:02:00 +0000

With my dad having passed away four months ago, I thought I would write a Thanksgiving tribute to the man who taught me how to shoot a bow.

When I was around the age of thirteen, my dad decided it was time he would start taking me on his annual Thanksgiving Mule Deer hunt. This was always in the Cascade Mountains and it was always a bit of a scary experience. Armed with our bows, snow camo, and the Toyota Land Cruiser, we were off. I always dreaded these trips, but I felt bad having him go alone, and I’m not sure if I really had a choice; so off we went on my dad’s version of a winter vacation, in pursuit of the elusive Pope & Young trophy Mule Deer!

A fairly typical trip included at least one near death experience, and this was often before we even got to the secret hunting area. This was due in part to my dad’s prevailing faith in his 4WD Land Cruiser – a faith which manifested itself in various ways...for example, he seemed to think that no matter how harsh the driving conditions, putting chains on was somehow cheating. Because of this, at some point on our hunting trip, we usually came close to sliding off an ice-covered country road, like some John Denver song gone bad. One year, while making our chainless drive, our forward momentum quickly became rearward acceleration…we were sliding backwards, with a rather ominous drop-off on my dad’s side of the Land Cruiser…i.e., a pseudo cliff. By this point I had grabbed the door handle, preparing to eject…my dad, heavily breathing due to his Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Syndrome, gasped for air and told me to get ready to jump. Waiting for the perfect moment to lunge out of the sliding car, and I’m sure praying like I’ve never prayed before, we slid into a dirt wall opposite the cliff.

Once securely imbedded into the dirt bank, my dad felt it was time to put the chains on…hello!!! So, we chained up, and proceeded to climb the iced over, rutted out, logging road. We then saw a Big Foot’esque Ford Pickup nearly slide off the road, as well as some other 4x4. At one point, I looked over the edge of the cliff and saw an upside-down Ford Bronco with a sign on it that said “Thieves Will Be Shot!”

Due to trauma, I’m not sure what happened the rest of that hunting trip, but it was certainly not my only memory of near-death due to plunging off an iced over logging road. I also have memories of a blizzard nearly killing my dad...meanwhile, I had made my way back to the Land Cruiser, in the dark, waiting for him to come out of the mountains. Again praying like crazy, I was wondering what I should do? I had never driven before, and the roads were terrible, but I kept praying, and honking. The prayers were answered and he made it out alive. There was also a Thanksgiving trip when the temperature dropped into the negative 20’s, which, even in my dad’s hybrid tent, was about 80 degrees cooler than a comfortable room temperature for sleeping…and, mind you, this was not just your ordinary tent, my dad had added on an extra cooking room/enclosed covered entryway. This must have added at least 30% more living space to our already spacious five-man tent, yet somehow it still fit nicely in his aftermarket, water resistant Duffle Bag (my dad was a master folder).

Last week, when out taking pictures and shooting video, I had a hunting trip flashback; sensing that those experiences were more than just life endangering memories that I shared with my dad – but times of development; learning skills that I am using and benefiting from today. So, this Thanksgivings in particular, as I’m away from my family, I find myself missing as well as appreciating my dad, and all of our memorable hunting trips, knowing that these were invaluable times of learning – learning to patiently watch, listen, and wait for that perfect shot.

Hans and Franz…

Isaac — Wed, 16 Nov 2005 01:38:00 +0000

Well, time is quickly passing here in K-ville...and I think winter is here to stay. A little over a month ago I joined Kosovo's equivalent to Gold’s Gym…It's not often that I've worked out in a place where I can see my breath and where the ligting comes via three candles...it's sort of romantic I guess, but it makes it a bit difficult to motivate oneself to workout...and to see what you're doing once you're there. Anyhow...it's getting late, but I wanted to post a little update before going to bed. This is some text that I'm putting together for several sponsors - it gives some information regarding the direction of the project. -- 11/21/05 -- It has just been revised and can be seen at visionfilmworks.com/pr

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November, 2005 -- Here in Kosovo the winter is quickly approaching and with it comes an infrequency of electricity and running water. As the days get shorter, the darkness brought on by the power outages has itself become a character in the film. What do the people do during these long hours of darkness? When you don't have money to fuel a generator or to go out, you light a few candles and stay at home - and then what? You sit in a room that is kept warm by a wood stove and you wait. A few stories might be told, some tea will inevitably be served, and then comes the deafening silence, like a ringing bell - a daily reminder of the oppressive past and the uncertain future. Even though the war has ended, there is still a battle being waged in Kosovo - a battle that is seen everyday as the power goes out and the candles are lit - when the silence comes.

Despite the many overwhelming challenges of life in Kosovo, a sense of hope still remains. This hope can be seen through those who continue to press on and pursue their dreams - dreams of reconciliation, independence, and economic stability. One such dreamer is Luli Hoti, a 28-year-old artist who loves Elvis Presley, classic cars, and making movies. Luli is one of those looking beyond the current situation in Kosovo in pursuit of his artistic dreams.

Luli Hoti is currently in preproduction on a short film that takes place in the town of Trepca, home of one of the richest mines in Europe. Luli's short film illustrates the significance of this small town and its role in the future of Kosovo. In December, Luli will be showing his completed film in what is left of a bombed out theater - an empty shell bearing no resemblance of its past grandeur. Due to limited resources and a lack of suitable venues, the disheveled theater has proven to be a creative way for Luli to show his film and put on an event that the local community and media are behind. The film also has the potential to bring a renewed sense of hope and purpose to the people of this small town and beyond, as Luli desires to present his film in Trepca, as well as throughout Europe and North America.

Vision FilmWorks is capturing Luli's journey as he pursues a December debut in Trepca's war torn theater. In following this journey there will undoubtedly be many obstacles for Luli to overcome before his December debut, yet these challenges will help to illustrate the struggles as well as the beauty of life in Kosovo. With primitive equipment, sporadic electricity, and no trained crew, Luli is working against seemingly insurmountable odds, yet he continues to push on in pursuit of his dream. Through documenting the making of Luli's film, the doors have been opened, allowing a glimpse into a land with a recognized name yet a forgotten story. It is through this right of passage that our documentary seeks to tell the true stories behind Luli's fictional film, and these are the stories that carry with them a glimpse into the true Kosovo.

Writer’s constipation…

Isaac — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 23:57:00 +0000

A local cow pasture near where
Luli will be shooting his short film

Yesterday I was sitting in front of my computer for hours…trying to work on a new detailed outline for the film. It was a struggle to say the least. Writer’s block, thinker’s block, blocker’s block…I had it all. Finally I stood up and began praying – and with bit more desperation in this prayer than my others. I sat back down at my picnic table and opened a new blank Word document. I began applying pressure to random keys, as if I knew what I was supposed to be typing. Then, I began erasing, as my ideas were again scattered…then writing, and erasing, and then, about two hours later, what do you know, the writing had overtaken the erasing and I had a 49 point outline of the film. At about 2:00 am I was feeling an interpersonal victory of sorts, a sense that I can turn my camera on with a deliberate reason for doing so. That’s a good feeling, especially after several years of certainty, yet lack of clarity – certainty that I should be working on this film – lack of clarity as to what the film was about.

So, know that prayers are being answered. Part of my midnight prayer was that the Lord would protect me from any spiritual attack that was stifling my creativity. Whether or not this was part of the problem, the Lord answered my prayer and allowed me to complete the outline. Kosovo is a spiritually dark region – from the atrocities of the war to the spiritual battle that’s been waged in this region for hundreds of years, this is a place where your spiritual armor needs to be on good and tight. I’ve heard that said many times before regarding Kosovo, and it’s true. The Bible makes it emphatically clear that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against something far more evil, powerful, and not of this realm. So, know that your prayers are desperately needed and greatly appreciated. The next six weeks are going to be extremely challenging. I’m halfway through the shoot, but I feel like the true test is yet to come…as is the true reward. So, pray, pray, and pray – for spiritual protection, vision, creativity, and the ability to listen and follow the real director of this project, the author of life.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

The Axe and the Beggar

Isaac — Thu, 03 Nov 2005 16:04:00 +0000

A local blacksmith sharpening an old axe

A local beggar, which is a surprisingly rare site

These pictures seem to sum up how I’m feeling at the moment…like the axe and the beggar. There’s a strong sense of God – who is the blacksmith, and I’m the old axe being hammered! I’m also feeling a bit like the beggar, totally at the mercy of those around me...and at the mercy of God. Both of which are good. It often takes jumping out of our comfort zone to get this little wakeup call…for me it took heading back to Kosovo, once again with a true sense of purpose, yet with no real sense of direction.

I’ve known all along that the Lord wants me here working on this project, the question remains, what stories do I focus on, what approach do I take in telling these stories, and how do I knit them all together? I feel good about three of the stories, and feel like they can drive the film, but at the same time I’m trying to discover the best way to tell these stories, how to relate them to each other or to the documentary, and what is the unique voice of this film…what makes this film worth watching: distinct, funny, sad, ironic…

So, I’ve spent hours this week staring at my computer working on a new outline, walking last night in the rain for a couple of hours listening and thinking, and now back at my computer feeling a bit better. Though still I’m overwhelmed knowing that I have less than 7 weeks to finish filming and to get on a plane heading home in time for Christmas. Soooo, know that your prayers are cherished and are greatly needed in the next few weeks as I try and capture the story of Kosovo…something that has eluded me for the past six years.

Working as a blacksmith since he was thirteen

Cutting a deal

Fields of Gold

Isaac — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 22:22:00 +0000

Some ruins from an old Castle that overlooks the divided city of Mitrovica

On the way home from a hike yesterday with some Finish friends from Church

This week Luli and I went and checked out one of the world’s richest towns, Trepca. In this small mining village, gold and an array of other valuable metals rest several feet below the streets, yet many people in Trepca are living as refugees. The local theater, library, and school remain vacant, standing as silent reminders of a war where the value of gold outweighed the value of life. So, this once neat little town is now more of a ghetto village…yet ironically it’s sitting on billions of dollars of metals, minerals, coal, etc…Many people believe that this mining town was actually the catalyst for the war in Kosovo…that it had nothing to do with ethnic cleansing or religion, but economics.

Heading up to Trepca was definitely a good thing…we got some great footage and we’ve since done some brainstorming regarding the little mining town. It looks as though we will be incorporating it in the film…it plays such a key roll in Kosovo that I feel we have to bring it into the story.

We also made some new friends…it didn’t take long for all of the local kids to discover the camera…it’s like a kid magnet. I then made the mistake of asking them who their favorite actors are. From there on out they were all actors, hungry to be on camera. After a few timeouts we were able to continue our filming and interviewing.

The boy on the right had to have a timeout a bit later…I should have never asked him who his favorite actor was…Jackie Chan…

Luli…my friend and local filmmaker from Kosovo.

"You can be in my dream if I can be in yours"

Isaac — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 22:46:00 +0000

"You can be in my dream if I can be in yours"
My mom reminded me of this line...it doesn't have a lot to do with Kosovo, but it's another great Dylan quote, which with the bi-monthly dreams I have of meeting Bob, I thought I should post it. (If you're personal friends with Bob, would you mind asking him if I can use "Ring Them Bells" in the documentary?)

"You're gonna have to serve somebody.
Well it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord,
But you're gonna have serve somebody"

These simple words from Dylan's song "Gotta Serve Somebody" transformed the life of a woman I went to school with in Chicago. It's amazing how powerful a few simple words can be!

My buddy Rob has added a few more noteworthy Dylan quotes…

"In the time of my confession,
in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet
flood every newborn seed
There's a dyin' voice within me
reaching out somewhere,
Toiling in the danger
and in the morals of despair.

Don't have the inclination
to look back on any mistake,
Like Cain, I now behold this chain
of events that I must break.
In the fury of the moment
I can see the Master's hand
In every leaf that trembles,
in every grain of sand."

"Now you stand here expecting me to remember something you forgot to say?"

Re: Quote of the Day - Bob Dylan

Isaac — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 20:58:00 +0000

I had a dream last night about my dad...I've had many lately...this one was especially memorable, as I knew in my dream that he had died, but he had somehow been raised from the dead, and what do you know, he was playing a beautiful Dylan'esque song on guitar, and I was singing along. My dad always loved Dylan and he instilled within me a love for his music and his thought provoking lyrics. So, rather than dwelling on the anti-artists that are out there polluting the airwaves...I can't wait for the next Dylan or U2 who is starting out, just getting ready to get us singing their songs, and thinking about their lyrics.

Also, your prayers would be greatly appreciated as I am heading out to Pristina on Friday with my fellow filmmaker Luli to meet with a person who I hope will be willing to be a part of the documentary. Their story is beyond my comprehension. You can here some audio discussing what they went through at: www.kosovofilm.com (it begins playing automatically once it's loaded).

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A friend of mine posted this on their blog...I thought I would repost it over here as it is just too great...and too thoughtful!

Bob Dylan Quotes:

"Each of us has his own special gift and you know this was meant to be true. And if you don't under estimate me, I won't under estimate you."

"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now."

"May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift. May you have a strong foundation, when the winds of change shift."

"You breathed on me and made my life a richer one to live, when I was deep in poverty you taught me how to give. Dried the tears up from my dreams and pulled me from my hole, quenched my thirst and satisfied the burning in my soul."

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I was thinking about Bob today because a friend of mine, Isaac, is a Dylan fan. Isaac posted a really cool blog dedicated to his father who recently passed away so that's why he was on my mind.

A few years back Isaac and I went to see Bob in concert. I remember asking him (he's in his 20's) how he came to like Dylan. He told me about how his parents listened to Dylan as long as he could remember and they instilled a love of music in him...and a special appreciation for Bob D.

Anyhow...these 2 quotes are to honor the memory of his dad, Skip."

Recording...

Isaac — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 21:01:00 +0000

Yesterday I felt like I turned on my camera and that there was a purpose behind hitting record, like I might actually use the footage…this is a good sign! Tomorrow this could change, but for now I’m feeling like the story is revealing itself – it's just being deligent in capturing it. One of the stories might take me to Turkey in the next couple of weeks, another story would reunite me with somebody I interviewed in Kosovo six years ago…we’ll see what they think about the idea this Friday.

It’s difficult, because I want to tell the story of Kosovo, but without offending the masses in this region, without getting too deep into war stories, and within the next two months. I think the three stories I’m looking to tell will allow me to do this, but you don’t really know until you’ve committed a fair amount of time, and by then it would be too late to turn around trying to find a new story. My largest sponsor just emailed me and put the heat on as far as deadlines. I think the pressure is good, as long as the story is there, but if in a month it looks like one of the stories is dying….I need something to fall back on…maybe I could turn this into a reality show – “The Kosovar Bachelor”

(As I type this I am being graced with the song “ F… It ” by Eamon – wow…American music…I think these people are actually anti-artists – their music stifles creativity. It’s this slow poisoning of the mind that leads to other forms of corruption…at least I have over 15 hours of Bob Dylan on my laptop!)

Rush-hour on the Kosovar Autobahn

Clinton Boulevard...

Isaac — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 14:09:00 +0000

The people here love Bill Clinton…for some, it’s borderline worship. They absolutely adore him! The four-story picture of the former president – which has been up for quite a few years now, is a good example of the local appreciation for his support during the war. He’s also got at least one street named after him in the capital city – Clinton Blvd – I’m sure there are many more. In this shot we see a nice new American car, the almost politically titled medical clinic, and the 40 foot picture of President Clinton.

Parental Advisory…

Isaac — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 19:54:00 +0000

Due to Billy’s quick response, little Gustaff should soon be back on the streets playing with his friends.

I’ve never seen so much American television as in Kosovo…most often it comes in the form of music videos. It’s actually embarrassing…like that feeling when you’re watching a film with your parents – when the innocent couple’s level of affection takes on a life of its own. Well, today was Eminem’s birthday, so my 12 year old Albanian brother was watching Slim Shady videos all day…as the room with the two TVs is the only one with heat, I found myself being accosted by shady videos all day while working on my laptop. To Eminem’s credit, he does have a couple legit songs, but boy, let me tell you, I was ashamed today as these raunchy Jr. High productions were saturating our house and once innocent minds. Some song just finished playing by another “artist”, before the power went out, that was talking about, “Don’t you wish your girlfriend looked like me…acts like me…blaa, blaa, blaa…?” Not only are they filled with poor grammar, the message and images are animalistic…makes the George Michael music videos I use to secretly watch seem like an episode of Little House on the Prairie. I think I’m going to write Dr. Dre a letter when I get home…

After a few more tea times with Luli, dinner with his family, and a movie night (we watched “Bella Mafia” - if you have the chance, don’t see this film), I feel like the story is starting to come together. The frequent power outages seem to really inspire creativity...it must be the candles…or the lack of local television playing at all hours. The next step is asking the central character to be a part of the film…if they say no, Luli and I will be drinking a lot more tea (10 cents a glass in the local cafes). So, I feel good that the ideas are starting to gel, although I have no clue as to how we’ll be able to realistically tell this story with no budget, crew, or consistent source of electricity. Just a few minor details that need to be ironed out!

Also…I just found myself humming an advisory laden Eminem song…I might have to find a warmer jacket.

Reflections from the window of a local seamstress shop.

Tea with Luli

Isaac — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 14:54:00 +0000

Every few days I get together with a friend of mine from Kosovo for tea…technically I usually order some sort of juice product and he orders a caffeinated beverage, but when we do our inviting, it’s always, “do you want to grab some tea?” Don’t get me wrong, I will occasionally order tea, but when you are offered 3-10 miniature glasses of tea a day, juice sounds pretty good.

Yesterday, Luli and I went out for tea (I had blueberry juice), and as usual we had a great conversation. While talking, a guy walked by who I knew from previous trips to Kosovo…we’ll call him Trutchka….we said our hellos, and then he mentioned having seen a short clip about Kosovo I had posted online last year. Let’s just say Trutchka was not exactly happy with the content of my short clip…he became noticeably enraged as we were talking…I went into, “how can I get out of here alive” mode…I tried to calm him down and explain the video clip, but my diplomacy was sub par. I then asked if he had time to sit down and talk with Luli and me…he thought about it – you could tell he didn’t want to – but then said yes.

Long story short, we ended up having a very positive conversation with Trutchka, and it was yet another amazing example to me of how sensitive everyone here is…to being misrepresented…hypersensitive to a biased media who have painted a picture of Kosovar Albanians as being extreme fundamentalists. This turned into a very profitable tea time – I was again reminded of all that these people have been through and how careful I must be to tell their story with extreme sensitivity. So what is that story? This question still remains, however I think I’m on the right track. I pitched my latest idea to Luli yesterday and he seemed to be on the same page…I think we may be onto something…I hope!

Here’s some random shots in Mitrovica…just down the street from our house. They don't have anything to do with chi or Trutchka, but hopefully they'll inspire you to have some tea with an old friend...or at least some milk out of the carton...

Local Couch Dealer - Everyday he takes his homemade couches to various markets.

Another couch salesman...

Text messaging Florita...

Mobile auto part sales...