Lumbardhi presents: MALIBU is a unique musical event which explores and ties together sonic experiences with that of film, within the currently running LXX program, celebrating Kino Lumbardhi’s 70th anniversary.
To mark this occasion, Lumbardhi’s Fjolla Hoxha and Malibu (Barbara Braccini) have an exchange prior to the event.
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FH: Artistic interpretations aside, who is Malibu in your own words?
M: Malibu is literally *me*, Barbara. Despite the possibly ironic-sounding name I’ve picked for no good reason at all, the music I write under this alias is 100% me, it’s like a diary, all the stories I tell are my own heartbreaks and nostalgia.
FH: Your performances are described as immersive sea-like sonic experiences. Where does your connection with the ocean come from and how does that influence your work?
M: I grew up near the ocean, my dad is an oceanologist, while growing up, my nanny had a dolphin obsession…. maybe all these things are subconsciously emerging when I make music, I’m not exactly sure. I’m an over-thinker, to the point of making myself sick, so maybe I need the organic loudness and quietness of the waves to balance that. My head is empty when I’m at the ocean, which maybe is what happiness feels like.
FH: How would you describe the zone where the musical and the cinematic experience meet and interact in your performance?
M: If we say the « cinematic » part is basically the visual aspect of it, I think they have to exist together; one supports the other and vice-versa. The music can be intense and full, and very visual, it invites the listeners to go into somewhat of an introspection, so it’s important that what they *see* supports what they may be feeling. A blinking star, a boat offshore, whatever it is, it lulls the listeners and gives meaning to it all, hopefully…
FH: Can you talk a bit about your entrance to the music world and what direction your journey is currently taking?
M: I came to it out of passion a few years ago through a friend, and I guess it gradually became my life, essentially. Without thinking about it that much, it took the direction it took ; today I’m not interested in making this or that « move » for it to become whatever else, I’m happy to see where it goes and be surprised, maybe! My radio show on NTS is a constant, kind of « keeps me going » monthly, so we’ll see where this goes too!
FH: Are there any emerging topics or urgencies that you wish to tackle with your work in the near future?
M: I don’t think so, nothing in particular that I can think of. Maybe being heartbroken is what will make me continue to write music I suppose. Heart needs to either be empty or so full, it could explode in order for me to have anything to talk about.
This ephemeral experience filled with a distinct atmosphere will be preceded by a special screening and followed by a closing session.
To keep track of the event, please attend to the link here and follow us on instagram.
The event starts at 20:00 and entry to the performance is free of charge.
The event is supported by Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo and The French Embassy in Kosovo.
