Albanian filmmaker Xheni Alushi is celebrating an achievement in cinema, as her film “The Disparaged” has been selected for the Swiss Competition at the International Short Film Festival in Winterthur, Switzerland.
The film is part of the festival’s official programme, which runs from November 3 to 8, 2026. Its selection marks an important achievement for the Albanian director and contributes to the international promotion of Albanian-language filmmaking, Rks News eports.
“The Disparaged” is Xheni Alushi’s graduation film for her master’s degree in fiction film directing at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).
The story centres on Blerta, a 32-year-old woman who returns from Switzerland to Pristina to care for her father, who is seriously ill. Through her story, the film explores family relationships, responsibility towards parents and the connection to one’s homeland.
The film features several renowned Albanian actors, including Drita Kabashi, Luan Jaha, Art Pasha, Aurita Agushi and Eli Gashi.
The screenplay was written by Xheni Alushi and Joni Mithi. The film was produced in collaboration with the Zurich University of the Arts and Papafingo Productions.
Being selected for an international film festival in Switzerland provides an important opportunity to present the Albanian director’s work to international audiences and promote themes related to life, family and the experiences of Albanians between Kosovo and the diaspora.
The International Short Film Festival in Winterthur is one of Switzerland’s notable events dedicated to short-form cinema.
