In a remarkable development for global cinema, a new international film centered on the Kosovo War is set to bring together some of Hollywood’s biggest names — including legendary actor Robert De Niro. The ambitious project, produced by Fitim Krasniqi, a Kosovo-born filmmaker known for his work in international markets, aims to portray one of the most painful and defining chapters in Kosovo’s modern history.
The announcement was made by Krasniqi himself during an interview with Blendi Fevziu, where he confirmed that De Niro had officially signed on to play the role of his father — the central figure in the film’s emotional storyline. The film will delve into deeply personal and historical themes, combining the tragedy of a family torn apart by war with the broader human consequences of the Kosovo conflict.
“It’s the story of my father, and of the massacre in Reçak, and the war that happened in Kosovo from the beginning to the end,” Krasniqi explained during the interview.
According to the producer, the film is inspired by his father’s harrowing experience during the 1999 Kosovo War — a man who was wounded in battle and later burned alive. This personal tragedy, Krasniqi said, has motivated him for years to transform the pain into a cinematic message of resilience, justice, and remembrance.
The project has already attracted significant attention across both the film industry and political circles, as it represents one of the first large-scale international films to focus directly on the human stories behind the Kosovo conflict. Krasniqi revealed that a total of 71 Hollywood actors are expected to participate, and that all contracts have already been signed.
While details about the full cast remain confidential, De Niro’s involvement has generated massive anticipation. Known for his iconic performances in Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II, and The Irishman, De Niro’s participation gives the project an extraordinary level of credibility and artistic weight.
The film promises to explore not only the brutal realities of war but also the strength of the human spirit. Krasniqi emphasized that the story will not simply recount historical events but will also carry a powerful universal message about loss, forgiveness, and the enduring hope for peace.
Filming was initially planned to begin this year but has been postponed due to logistical and production-related reasons. However, the production team has confirmed that shooting will start next year, with several key scenes expected to be filmed in Kosovo and other European locations.
Beyond its cinematic ambitions, this project carries profound emotional significance. For the people of Kosovo, it represents not only a film but a testament to memory and identity — a way of ensuring that the suffering and courage of ordinary people are never forgotten. For the global audience, it offers a chance to understand the human side of a conflict that, for many outside the Balkans, remains underrepresented in mainstream cinema.
As excitement builds, one thing is certain: with Robert De Niro portraying the father of Fitim Krasniqi and the emotional weight of a true story at its core, this film could become one of the most powerful depictions of the Kosovo War ever made.