Professor Ricardo Spencer de Albuquerque from Spain, who lectured on low-budget film special effects at Prishtina’s International Summer University (PISU), published an op-ed in the Brazilian newspaper Diario de Pernambuco. He praised Kosovar society as youthful, modern, and hospitable, with a flair for fashion, religious harmony, and roots in ancient Dardania.
The professor from the Professional School of Audiovisual Training in Vigo, Spain, noted that his visit to Kosovo last year, part of an inter-university collaboration was also a valuable opportunity to closely acquaint himself with Europe’s youngest state.
He returned this year to the Summer University from July 7 to 18, 2025. Together with his colleague from the University of Prishtina, Prof. Blerim Gjinovci, he taught courses on special effects in low-budget films.
“The course, part of PISU, attracted students from Bosnia, Turkey, Albania, Spain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Kosovo. The classes aimed to guide students in script interpretation, as well as planning and implementing special effects using alternative methods and accessible materials,” wrote Prof. Ricardo Spencer de Albuquerque.
He commended Kosovo for its hospitality, vibrancy, religious harmony, and coffee culture.
“Kosovars are joyful, welcoming, and enjoy summer months at open-air bars and cafes. In summer, the streets of the capital, Prishtina, fill with people, especially due to emigrants returning home for holidays—a scene not unlike other European cities,” shared the Spanish professor.
He emphasized that anyone unfamiliar with Kosovo should discover it and will be pleasantly surprised. To his readers, he outlined Kosovo’s recent history: the 1998-1999 war, NATO’s bombing of Serbian forces, and Kosovo’s declaration of independence. He expressed regret that Spain and Brazil still do not recognize Kosovo’s statehood.
“Unfortunately, Brazil and Spain are among the countries that do not recognize [Kosovo] as an independent state. This is regrettable, as the Balkan nation possesses vast mineral resources, thriving tourism, and a focus on building international trade relations,” wrote Prof. Ricardo Spencer de Albuquerque.
The professor was deeply moved by the memorials scattered across sites of heroic battles and crimes against humanity.
“The war left deep scars on the people. Graves and memorials throughout the territory commemorate massacres during the 27 years of Serbian occupation following Yugoslavia’s dissolution. Here, one sees entire families buried—children and elders—victims of summary executions, as documented in official records,” wrote the Spanish professor.
He also highlighted Kosovo’s natural resources, informing readers of Diario de Pernambuco that the country holds significant reserves of zinc, lead, nickel, chromium, gold, and particularly coal.
Diario de Pernambuco, founded in 1825 and published in Portuguese in Brazil, is the oldest newspaper in South America.