The boy returns to Pristina … a city he recalls with fondness

I’m sitting in the Vienna airport, waiting for my flight to Pristina, Kosovo. I’ve been invited to a city where I lived for a couple of months five years ago to be part of a film festival jury — which is, I have to say, way cool.

The event is the 9/11 Film Festival , which has been held over the past several years. But this year is special, what with the recent death of Bin Laden and all. I’ll be one of a panel of judges who will rate the two dozen or so shorts that will play over the festival’s several-day run. But just as important, I’ll be looking for decent films to bring back to play at next February’s Spokane International Film Festival .

I’ve already brought one Kosovar film, “Kukumi, ” to the festival, which is how I made the contacts that earned my this gig. But, really, the thrill for me is just returning to a city that holds some lasting memories for me. I’ll try to check in now and then to gauge what’s going on.

I may even write something about film. Never know.