🇦🇱🎶Why is an Albanian lullaby in an Iranian film?
One of Albania’s most iconic children’s songs, “Qingji i vogël” (“Little Lamb”) by Zef Leka, appears in the trailer for the Iranian drama “Hijamat”, directed by Nader Saeivar and produced by Jafar Panahi. The film, which explores homosexuality, faith and family conflict in a conservative Muslim household, will premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
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Why an Albanian lullaby?
❓The choice immediately raises a question: why an Albanian lullaby?
Among countless Iranian folk songs, the filmmakers selected a melody deeply rooted in Albanian childhood. While music often transcends borders, “Qingji i vogël” is more than just a tune—it is a cultural symbol that generations of Albanians grew up with.
There is nothing wrong with cross-cultural artistic exchange. But when an iconic national song is placed in a film with highly controversial themes, audiences are justified in asking what purpose it serves. Is there a deeper artistic meaning behind the choice, or was it simply used for its emotional effect?
Until the filmmakers explain their decision, the inclusion of “Qingji i vogël” remains both intriguing and open to criticism. Cultural exchange is valuable—but so is respecting the context and significance of another nation’s cultural heritage.