1: Sundance Grand Jury Winner 'Shame and Money' Gets 2027 Theatrical Release in North America
The Kosovo-set drama, which stars Astrit Kabashi, is scheduled for a theatrical release in early 2027 and is eligible for an Oscar nomination.
By David Mokoena ·
Oscilloscope Laboratories announced on Tuesday that it has acquired the North American distribution rights to Visar Morina’s film “Shame and Money.” The acquisition secures a theatrical release for the movie in early 2027.
The film previously earned the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Under current Academy rules, this specific award qualifies the picture to compete for the Oscar for international feature film.
“Shame and Money” follows a couple in their 40s living in rural Kosovo. The pair manages a small farm with their extended family until a dispute within the family causes them to lose their livelihood. They relocate to Pristina, where they struggle to find employment and housing while supporting their family.
The cast includes Astrit Kabashi, Flonja Kodheli, Kumrije Hoxa, Fiona Gllavica, and Alban Ukaj. Morina co-wrote the screenplay with Doruntina Basha. Morina’s third feature is his first to receive a major North American deal after his previous films “Exile” and “Babai.”
Dan Berger, president of Oscilloscope, described the film as a portrait of a family that is subtle and humane. He noted that the film serves as an indictment of an economic system designed to keep people down. Morina stated that the film aims to promote class consciousness during a time when many people find it difficult to make ends meet.
International sales for the film are handled by The Yellow Affair. Deals are in place for distribution in France, Indonesia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey. The film already had a theatrical run in Germany in September through Eksystent Filmverleih.
Since its premiere at Sundance, the movie has won the Cinemasters Jury Prize at FilmFest Munich. It also took home best film and best actor awards at Prifest Kosovo, along with four awards at the ODA Film Festival for best movie, actress, actor, and script. The production was led by Fabian Altenried, Sophie Ahrens, and Kristof Gerega from Schuldenberg Films, alongside Pia Hellenthal and Morina.
Source: Variety
