“DJ Ahmet” is a feel-good coming-of-age film that taps into the universal theme of finding your own path and the freedom that music can bring.
Written and directed by Georgi M. Unkovski, the film tells the story of 15-year-old Ahmet (Arif Jakup), a boy from a small Yuruk village in North Macedonia. Stuck between his father’s strict expectations, the conservative village community, and his first crush on a girl who’s already promised to someone else, Ahmet turns to music for an escape.
What’s great about the film is how relatable it is. The theme of bucking tradition and doing your own thing is something we can all connect to, no matter where we’re from.
While the setting is very much rooted in the culture of the village, the film doesn’t go to far into exploring those complexities. It stays accessible, focusing more on the heart of Ahmet’s personal journey. That’s a good thing, but it also feels like there was potential for something a little deeper here. Instead, we get the surface-level struggles (love, family expectations, the clash between old and new) and nothing beyond that.
What really makes the film stand out is its spirited soundtrack, which almost feels like its own character. The music pulses through the film, reflecting Ahmet’s growing sense of freedom and rebellion. As he tries to impress the girl of his dreams with his music, we feel the beat of his ambitions alongside him. The lively music is the perfect match to the film’s youthful energy.
Unkovski creates a dreamy, almost magical feel that contrasts the rural setting with bursts of modernity. The clash of tradition and progress is there, but it’s all seen through Ahmet’s eyes. The film’s fresh, vibrant look perfectly matches the character’s energy.
With lovable characters, a fun soundtrack, and uplifting story, “DJ Ahmet” is a lighthearted crowd-pleaser. It might be as profound as it could have been, but it’s hard not to enjoy the ride and appreciate the message of finding happiness by marching to the beat of your own drummer.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 