Novi sošolci / New classmates / Shokët e rinj të klasës

About the event

The Slovenian economy needs workers from Kosovo – but how can the education system help their children?

Due to a shortage of local workers, the Slovenian industry needs foreign workers. Together with them, their children also come to Slovenia; they enter primary education and are complete beginners in the Slovenian language. […] How do children manage in the programmes of Slovenian schools, and how can parents be included in their children’s schooling, the labour market and the society in general?

The documentary provides a background view of the migration from Kosovo and the challenges children face in integrating into their new country. It focuses on the stories of four migrant children and their parents from Kosovo who, face obstacles in different areas. Exploring the reasons behind the mass migrations and the particularities of the education system in Kosovo further illuminates the topic. Through the stories of the protagonists whom we follow in Kosovo and Slovenia, we get to know this thus far overlooked group of migrants.

New Classmates is a heartwarming story of childhood and cultural fusion that offers a fresh, balanced look at how young people from Kosovo adjust to their new environment in Slovenian schools. This documentary will enthuse viewers interested in migration stories, education systems, and the oft-overlooked experiences of children across different communities.

Director: Toni Cahunek

Screenwriters: Toni and Lea Cahunek

Film editor: Miha Šubic

Directors of photography: Aljoša Korenčan and Arian Haliti

Assistant camera: Filip Košnik and Rita Haliti

Sound designer: Matic Berus

Graphic designer: Filip Košnik

Music composer: Janez Dovč

Cast: Floralba Avdullahu, Suela Gashi, Masar Maloku, Ledri Gashi and others

Production: Eustahije Film

Co-production: RTV Slovenija, Invida, The Content Team

Associate co-production: Korektif, Studio 001