Shame and Money (2026)

Directed by Visar Morina, Shame and Money is a tense social realist drama that follows the trajectory of his previous acclaimed film Exile. The narrative centers on a proud family man who struggles to maintain his dignity as financial pressures mount in rural Albania. When economic hardships force him to seek a new life in the city, he finds himself in an environment that seems to conspire against his aspirations for stability and respect.

The film features a strong cast led by Astrit Kabashi, who portrays the protagonist Shaban, and Flonja Kodheli as Hatixhe. Their performances anchor the sombre tone of the story, which explores the painful intersection of poverty, masculinity, and familial duty. While Shaban's mother and brother-in-law offer support, the protagonist finds that accepting their help wounds his pride, creating a complex emotional dynamic that drives the plot forward.

• Visar Morina returns to directing after gaining international recognition for his debut feature Exile, which won multiple awards at international film festivals including Best Film at the European Film Awards.
• Astrit Kabashi takes on the lead role of Shaban, marking a significant performance in Albanian cinema that highlights the struggles of rural-to-urban migration.
• Flonja Kodheli plays Hatixhe, bringing depth to the supporting cast with her portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of family loyalty and personal identity.
• The production is set to release in 2026, positioning it as one of the most anticipated Albanian films of the decade.