Kosovo Family's Struggle in Hyper-Capitalist Society

Visar Morina's latest film, "Shame and Money," a Sundance award winner, chronicles the arduous journey of a Kosovar family displaced from their village to the capital, Pristina. The narrative centers on their profound struggle to establish themselves within a hyper-capitalist society, grappling with the immense pressures of a high cost of living.

The drama, which secured the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, is lauded for its sensitive and powerful portrayal of human dignity in contemporary Kosovo. The jury commended director Morina for masterfully drawing audiences into the daily challenges faced by his characters, highlighting his deep empathy.

Starring Astrit Kabashi and Flonja Kodheli, the film's narrative was inspired by Morina's own parents, reflecting on how individuals can become pawns of politics, forced to navigate consequences beyond their understanding. The title itself, "Shame and Money," stems from research into the housing and job markets, revealing the pervasive shame associated with financial hardship.

Morina aimed to make the story as local as possible, believing that authentic local narratives resonate universally, especially during a global cost of living crisis. The film's focus on the physical experience of its characters, with meticulous attention to the dignity of their labor, creates an intense and exhausting viewing experience, mirroring the characters' own struggles. Oscilloscope Laboratories plans to release the film in North America in early 2027.