International model, actress, media personality and filmmaker Hana Noka will unveil the story of Queen Teuta of Illyria with the launch of the historical fictional novel "Besa Po," inspired by the true story of love, loss, betrayal, victory and defeat. Queen Teuta was not only a famous Warrior Queen that lived almost two hundred years before Cleopatra, but her love for King Agron was one of the most legendary love stories in history. She was one of the first women to rise to power in the male dominated kingdom and society.
"I feel honored to be the first person to bring the true story of such a powerful woman to English language audiences," comments Noka. "As an admirer of strong women in history, I was drawn to the stories of the ancient Illyrian women. I felt compelled to tell the story of the great leader Queen Teuta who ruled Illyria, which encompassed the modern day nations of the Balkans from 231 BC to 227 BC. It is my hope that the story of Queen Teuta will inspire women around the world just as it has inspired me. I eventually look forward to adapting the story of Queen Teuta to the big screen."
Book trailer:
The Kosovan-Albanian beauty premiered her short film, titled "HANA" at the 9th annual La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival in July 2018. The film received three nominations, including Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Music. Directed by Luey Nohut, "HANA" was inspired by a simple quote from former longtime creative director Alber Elbaz of fashion house Lanvin, "Style is something reflected from our soul to the outside world - an emotion." Along with her husband Shkumbin, Noka served as executive producer on the film.
Noka stars in the soon to be released film "The General," starring Goran Višnji? and Armand Assante, and will begin shooting on "Criminal Act" by MPH Films in London this spring. She is represented by MMG and AC Talent and is a brand ambassador for Heinemann Duty Free in Europe.
Hana started her career in modeling and acting at a young age. Despite her busy life as a child model and actress, Hana always took her education seriously. She graduated from Griffith College Dublin, in Ireland with an honors BA in Journalism and Visual Media. Born in Istanbul, Turkey as the only child to Albanian parents, Noka grew up in various countries before settling in Los Angeles.
"Besa Po" is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1543956505/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uRfhCb96CGAC8
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/besa-po-hana-noka/1130000780?ean=9781543956504
Official branded merchandise is also available on www.yuzzl.com
Noka will appear at launch events in New York and Beverly Hills during the month of February, and will be the feature cover story for the latest issue of Marie Westwood magazine.
Photos Courtesy of Hana Noka.
Videos