The Albanian (German: Der Albaner, Albanian: Shqiptari) is a 2010 German-Albanian drama film directed by Johannes Naber and starring the Albanian actor Nik Xhelilaj.
Contents
Plot
For the sake of love and the situations imposed by the life in his country, Arben emigrates to Germany. An illegal emigration, in search of money, a subtle condition to protect his love; an adventure that unintentionally confronts him with the unmerciful world of crime.
Cast
Nik Xhelilaj as Arben Shehu
Xhejlane Tërbunja as Etleva Petriti
Ivan Shvedoff as Slatko
Amos Zaharia as Ilir Shehu
Stipe Erceg as Damir
Eva Löbau as Nicola
Çun Lajçi as Arben's father
Luan Jaha as Arben's uncle
Yllka Mujo as Etleva's mother
Guljelm Radoja as Etleva's father
Bruno Shllaku as Sali
Julian Deda as Florenç
Besmir Halitaj as Taulant
Ledio Janushi as Skerdi
Elton Lomthi as Artan
Hazir Hazir as Edon
André Hennicke as the pharmacist
Awards and competition
Within a short screening period, the film won several awards. The leading actor Nik Xhelilaj earned three Best Leading Actor awards in three different film festivals.
Awards won
Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis 2011
Best Film / Max-Ophüls-Preis
Cinéma Tous Ecrans - Geneva international Film Festival 2010
Best Film "Reflet d'Or" (Ex aequo)
Public Award for Best long feature film
32nd Moscow International Film Festival
Special Jury Prize "Silver George"
Best Actor Prize "Silver George" for Nik Xhelilaj
Bergen International Film Festival 2010
Special Jury Mention
PriFilmFest - Prishtina International Film Festival 2010
Special Jury Award for the film
"Golden Goddess" Best Actor Award for Nik Xhelilaj
47th Antalya "Golden Orange" International Film Festival
Best Actor Award for Nik Xhelilaj in the International Feature Competition
The film has also competed in other film festivals such as the 45th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, 15th Busan International Film Festival and 22nd Palm Springs International Film Festival.