‘DJ Ahmet’ Review: Wondrous North Macedonian Drama Mixes Upbeat Music, Punchy Humor and Pathos

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For the first time on screen, 15-year-old Ahmet (Arif Jakup) flashes a wide grin that truly embodies the saying that a smile can brighten any room. Amidst the vibrant hues of an EDM festival nestled within a forest, this boy with dreamy eyes allows himself to be swept away by a lively melody and the youthful crowd surrounding him. By this stage, many viewers would likely find themselves charmed beyond repair by “DJ Ahmet,” the charming, humorous, and fashionable debut of Georgi M. Unkovski, which unfolds in a secluded North Macedonian village.

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself momentarily immersed in an escape from my daily routines, but Ahmet’s life, tending sheep and caring for his brother Naim, who remains silent since their mother’s demise, quickly reminded me of the harsh reality. Unkovski cleverly weaves a vibrant soundtrack, blending contemporary English songs with regional tracks, along with Alen Sinkauz and Nenad Sinkauz’s epic score that evokes an image of Ahmet as a legendary knight on a quest. The director masterfully intertwines the narrative with the music, using slow-motion sequences at critical moments to emphasize the shared emotional journey of Ahmet, Naim, and Aya – the vivacious Dora Akan Zlatanova, who’s visiting from Germany for an arranged marriage.

Ahmet’s father, Aksel Mehmet, restricts music for grieving his wife and seems uncaring towards his teenage son. Worried about Ahmet’s silence, he takes him to various healers instead, spending considerable resources on this endeavor. This leads to Ahmet dropping out of school to look after the family animals. Although Ahmet remains quiet, a sense of burden is evident on him. Fortunately, Unkovski portrays the father as a result of his surroundings rather than an irredeemable character, while highlighting Ahmet as a symbol of a more compassionate masculinity that may emerge in the future.

To cast Jakup as the heartwarming character, Unkovski unearthed a genuine gem hidden among the rough diamonds. His face radiates the honesty of an innocent spirit. “I admire that you don’t know how to deceive,” Aya says to him, while they enjoy time away from their harsh realities, accompanied by their small guardian Naim. The remarkable Jakup doesn’t opt for naive simplicity in his subtle portrayal, but rather reveals Ahmet’s inner world through a shy smile or bright eyes. Within the unassuming character, there lies a selfless courage that compels him to defend others, particularly gentle Naim.

As a cinephile basking under the resplendent golden rays illuminating the idyllic backdrop, I found myself captivated by the tender, eloquent visage of Jakup, beautifully framed in intimate close-ups by the skillful lens of cinematographer Naum Doksevski, who had also masterfully shot the dynamic “Housekeeping for Beginners.” The vibrant tapestry that is “DJ Ahmet” weaves a rich narrative through its striking visuals and bold color palette. In this corner of the world, the traditional clothing bursts with vivid hues; however, the filmmakers artfully amplify their impact by crafting images that shimmer with an understated brilliance, as colors dance harmoniously within each frame.

Throughout each step, Unkovski’s insightful writing skillfully highlights the disconnection between Yuruk community members, who are connected to a broader world through their cell phones despite living in a small mountain community, and their traditional pastoral and patriarchal lifestyle that persists there. Additionally, Unkovski deftly extracts humor from culturally specific circumstances that resonates with all readers. A running joke about an imam struggling with technology, whom Ahmet helps on numerous occasions, provides constant laughter. The sound of Microsoft Windows starting up becomes hilarious in this context. With each well-placed joke, such as those involving Ahmet’s lost sheep, one’s appreciation for Unkovski’s creative vision increases, given the delicate balance he achieves with his tone.

DJ Ahmet” is not overly sweet nor devoid of emotion; instead, it’s deeply rooted in the harsh realities of life in societies dominated by patriarchy, where men often struggle to express their feelings and women have limited control over their lives. The film begins and ends with incisive, dream-like commentary from local elderly women, who not only discuss community matters but also subtly guide Ahmet from a distance. Unkovski’s storyline uses the growing friendship between Ahmet and Aya as a powerful catalyst to challenge societal norms. This is evident in their daring act of performing a modern dance routine for everyone or their innovative use of a tractor as a mobile DJ setup, which defies expectations and encourages change.

This movie, titled “DJ Ahmet,” is so exceptional that you’ll feel compelled to share your experience with others, allowing them to savor its delightful charm as well. It masterfully balances being a hilarious crowd-pleaser and an artistic masterpiece, carrying a profound impact. Although it explores familiar themes of growing up (through romance, self-discovery, and parent-child issues), the unique cultural backdrop, Unkovski’s creative storytelling style, and the remarkable debut performances by the cast set it apart in a class of its own.

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2025-01-25 10:16