Amnesty

AMNESTY provides a grim look at the lives of Albanians struggling to find a modicum of happiness in an otherwise drab existence. In its effort to bring its justice system to the level of other European nations, Albania has decided to give prisoners conjugal visits. Attractive but subdued Elsa, the mother of two boys, dutifully travels by bus on the fifth of each month to engage in intercourse with her jailed husband. Life is hard for Elsa; Albania hasn't come far since the collapse of the Iron Curtain. She has just lost her job, and she has her dour patriarchal father-in-law to support. Meanwhile, Spetim, a middle-aged man, has also been assigned the fifth of the month to visit his incarcerated wife. Elsa and Spetim meet when they're called as witnesses for a prison wedding. The two form a bond out of a mutual need for human warmth. Suddenly, an AMNESTY is announced for the prisoners, jeopardizing Elsa and Spetim's temporarily happy world. (In Albanian with subtitles) – B.B.