Kosovo: Ancient Herbs, New Spirit

Kosovo – Europe’s youngest country. Between the vineyards of Rahovec and the mountains above Nivokaz, a new generation is reviving an ancient tradition: the distillation of raki, the traditional Balkan spirit. The film follows two of them through an entire production and harvest year: master distiller Ali Alijaj and young artist Brikena Gashi.

After many years in Germany, Ali Alijaj returned to Kosovo and founded his distillery, “Vidasus.” Surrounded by copper stills and fragrant herbs, he distills fruits and berries from the Albanian Alps into exceptional spirits. “We have good soil and plenty of water,” says Ali. “All we need is a little push to get the engine started.” For him, distilling is far more than a craft — it’s a sign that a future is possible here without having to leave home. His dream: to open the highest distillery in the Balkans.

Brikena Gashi was inspired by him. She has revived her family’s abandoned vineyards in Drenoc, one of Kosovo’s traditional wine-growing regions, and is the first woman in the country to produce her own brandy. “For me, this isn’t just a vineyard,” she says, “but a way to encourage women to do something that was long reserved for men.” Now she’s planning a music festival among her vines to breathe new life into her village.

Set against a backdrop of ancient stone huts, mist-shrouded mountains, and the bustling streets of Prizren, the film tells the story of people who stay, return, and breathe new life into their homeland. “Kosovo: Ancient Herbs, New Spirit” captures the quiet revolution of a generation determined to reinvent this small Balkan country — with passion, patience, and a shot of schnapps.