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Breaking the Status Quo

January 10, 2025

Three people, living three unusual lives, in three Eastern European countries.

https://p.dw.com/p/4nhNV
Video Stills I Dokumentation " Gegen den Strom - Zwischen Herausforderungen, Leid und Zuversicht"
Image: MDR

This film’s protagonists are united by the challenges, suffering and constant change they face - as well as by their confidence that things will turn out well in the end.

Portrait of Lend Mustafa
Lend Mustafa, a transman in KosovoImage: MDR

When Lend Mustafa loses his mother, he plunges into a deep crisis. She was his most important support as he embarked on a difficult journey: Lend had decided to live not as a woman, but as a trans man. Not an easy decision in the patriarchal Kosovar society in which Lend lives. But Lend stays true to his decision and goes on to open a club in Kosovo for the queer community. 

The racing driver Ekaterina Straijewa sits on horizontal tires in front of her racing car
Ekaterina Straijewa, successful racing driver in BulgariaImage: MDR

Ekaterina Straijewa is also familiar with the challenges of living in a patriarchal society. In Bulgaria, she was a successful racing driver. Despite her success, she faced ridicule for being a woman on the racetrack. Then an assault forced her to give up her profession. Her whole life was thrown into question. But she manages to fight her way back and climbs into the cockpit once again. 

The nursing assistant Bashkim Lilo sits on a bench in the Albanian mountains
Bashkim Lilo, from shepherd to nursing assistantImage: MDR

Bashkim Lilo grew up in the Albanian mountains and worked as a shepherd. When he was offered the opportunity to train as a nursing assistant, he jumped at the chance. Because it was clear to him that this was the only way he and his family would have a future in Albania.

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

THU 30.01.2025 – 01:15 UTC
THU 30.01.2025 – 04:15 UTC
FRI 31.01.2025 – 09:15 UTC
FRI 31.01.2025 – 16:15 UTC
FRI 31.01.2025 – 21:15 UTC
SAT 01.02.2025 – 19:15 UTC
SUN 02.02.2025 – 02:15 UTC
MON 03.02.2025 – 12:15 UTC

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