James Blunt: Return to Kosovo / James Blunt: Return to Kosovo

In September 2006, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter James Blunt flew to the UN protectorate of Kosovo where, seven years earlier, he led a tank squadron as part of NATO's liberation forces. As his jet touched down on the Pristina airstrip, the two worlds of James Blunt (that of international pop star and that of a former British Army Captain) came together for a unique, emotional experience that neither he, nor his fans, will soon forget. In JAMES BLUNT: RETURN TO KOSOVO, the artist reunites with several of the young Albanian interpreters who had worked with his troop during the liberation of Kosovo. Together they retrace their steps, visiting several outlying towns James the solider was charged with protecting, including the site of a mass grave his unit
happened upon during his time there. We also see James' own home video footage of the war-torn Kosovo of 1999. The sharp contrast between Kosovo past and present reveals a country much changed and improved through the efforts of NATO troops, yet remains possessed by a distinct haunting rawness from the still-recent atrocities committed there. During his visit, James also plays for a large crowd of NATO troops still stationed in Pristina, during which we experience a tangible, intimate connection between James and the audience. Expertly captured by Academy Award nominated director Steven Cantor, James' signature voice shines and his thoughtful, sensitive lyrics take on new meaning during this truly special show.

Source: SXSW Film, Austin, Texas 2007; http://2007.sxsw.com/film/screenings/film/F8545.html