Andamion Murataj’s first feature Man of the House has officially begun production.
Man of the House is about Fran who, although born a woman, has chosen to live as a celibate man in the recognised tradition of Albanian Sworn Virgins. By taking a vow of chastity Fran is given the status of a man, allowing her to wear male clothes and enjoy certain rights usually reserved for men. However, when she decides to look after her orphaned niece Fran faces a dilemma between her oath and her desire for motherhood.
In an interview with Cineuropa, Andamion Murataj explains that with this film he wants to “tell the heart-wrenching story of a real person who has to come to terms with her sexual identity as the old traditions of Albanian society change.”
Shot in Albania’s capital Tirana, Man of the House is the first feature film made with the help of the Tirana Film Office and the Municipality’s Creative Industries Agency. Tirana Film Office is a new organisation facilitating production in the city.
The film is co-produced by Lissus Media (Andamion Murataj’s company), Palomor (Italy), Elly Films (Austria), Akran (Greece), Peglanje Snova (Croatia), Thumbs Up (Kosovo) as well as Manufactura (North Macedonia).
Sources: Cineuropa, Tirana Film Office
