The premiere in Vienna took place at Urania Kino in Vienna on February 25, and from 27 February, audiences in Vienna will have the opportunity to experience this striking Balkan story on the big screen, as Man of the House will be screened there. 

Premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, the film draws inspiration from the Balkan tradition of “sworn virgins”, individuals assigned female at birth who take vows of celibacy and live socially as men, often assuming patriarchal roles within their families and communities

Set in a small Albanian village, the film follows Fran, a taxi driver and respected community member who lives as the head of his household while caring for his ageing father and young niece. His carefully constructed life begins to unravel after a near-fatal accident forces him to confront questions about his identity and emotional needs, especially when his niece’s longing for maternal care challenges his self-perception. 

Rather than framing Fran’s story as a simple struggle for acceptance, Murataj approaches the character with compassion and nuance. The film examines the complex intersection of gender, tradition, and family, reflecting on how deeply social roles are embedded in cultural expectations. Anchored by a powerful performance from Drita Kaba Karaga, Man of the House unfolds with subtle emotional intensity, inviting audiences into a deeply personal journey of self-understanding and transformation.

Poetic yet grounded, Murataj’s film challenges viewers to reconsider long-standing norms while highlighting the human need for connection and belonging. It is a sensitive portrait of a character navigating the fragile balance between societal duty and personal truth.

The screening offers an important chance to engage with a film that not only reflects regional traditions but also contributes to broader contemporary conversations about identity, gender, and family.