Out of Love (2009)
A haunting short film from Kosovo, where children navigate the ruins of war one cigarette at a time.
Out of Love - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ønskebørn
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Birgitte Stærmose
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 29m
- Original Language: Albanian
- Spoken Languages: Albanian
- Production Companies: Beofilm, AlphaVille Pictures Copenhagen
- Production Countries: Denmark
Out of Love - Plot
Fusing documentary and fiction, the film depicts the lives of children trying to survive the aftermath of war in Kosovo by selling cigarettes on the street. Through monologues performed by the children against the eerie backdrops of Pristina, the film tells their gripping and sad story of memory, loss and fear.
Where to Watch Out of Love
Looking for where to watch Out of Love?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Out of Love - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Birgitte Stærmose
Main Cast
- Liridon Abdullahu
- Xhevahire Abdullahu
- Shpresim Azemi
- Besarta Beha
- Drenusha Beha
- Desnik Hyseni
- Gëzim Kelmendi
- Lulzim Kelmendi
- Florim Krasniqi
- Leotrim Kraniqi
Writers
- Peter Asmussen
Producers
- Jesper Morthorst
Out of Love - FAQs
What is Out of Love about?
Out of Love follows children in post-war Kosovo who survive by selling cigarettes on the streets of Pristina. Blending documentary and fiction, the film uses intimate monologues performed by the children themselves against the haunting urban backdrop, weaving a deeply moving portrait of memory, loss, and fear.
Is Out of Love based on real events?
Yes, the film draws directly from real life. The children appearing on screen play themselves, sharing their own experiences of surviving in post-war Kosovo. Director Birgitte Stærmose fuses documentary authenticity with fictional framing, giving the children's true stories a powerful cinematic voice.
Where can you watch Out of Love?
You can find Out of Love on JustWatch, where all available streaming and viewing options for your region are listed. Given its short runtime and documentary nature, availability may vary by platform and country, so checking JustWatch is the best way to find current options.
How does Out of Love blend documentary and fiction?
The film places real children from Pristina's streets in front of the camera to deliver scripted monologues about their own lives. This hybrid approach lets their genuine experiences speak through a crafted narrative structure, creating something more emotionally resonant than a traditional documentary or a purely fictional drama.
Who directed Out of Love?
Out of Love was directed by Birgitte Stærmose, a Danish filmmaker. The film was produced by Beofilm and AlphaVille Pictures Copenhagen, with Peter Asmussen credited as writer and Jesper Morthorst as producer.
How long is Out of Love?
Out of Love runs just 29 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it delivers a concentrated and emotionally intense experience, using every minute to build an intimate portrait of childhood resilience and trauma in post-conflict Kosovo.
What language is Out of Love filmed in?
The film is entirely in Albanian, reflecting the real linguistic and cultural identity of the children from Kosovo's capital, Pristina. This choice grounds the film in authenticity, allowing the young cast to express themselves naturally in their own language.
What themes does Out of Love explore?
At its heart, Out of Love explores memory, loss, and fear through the eyes of children shaped by war. It also touches on resilience and survival, showing how young people navigate a fractured world by clinging to small acts of agency — like selling cigarettes just to get through another day.
More About Out of Love
Explore further details about Out of Love on these trusted resources.