ALBGREKO by Ilir Tsouko - 2025
Where Albanian roots and Greek life shape a new belonging.
This short documentary directed by Ilir Tsouko, and produced by Onassis Culture, unveils stories that are neither only Albanian nor Greek - but both Albanian and Greek.
“Albgreko” premieres at the 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival as part of the “Open Horizons” program on Friday, March 7, at the “John Cassavetes” movie theater at 21:00.
The documentary will also be available on the festival’s online platform starting Saturday, March 8, at 10:00.
The children and grandchildren of Albanian immigrants from the 1990s were born and are raised in Greece. Denisa, Dimitris, Stefania, and Orestis share their experience on camera. Not the experience of immigration itself, but their own stories. Stories that are neither only Albanian nor Greek but both Albanian and Greek. A new sense of belonging, pure and hopeful, emerges from this generation. At a time when identity wars are raging all over the world, including Europe and the Balkans, the director's camera illuminates the multiple identities not as burdens of history, but as compasses for a brighter future.
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"This film began as an exploration into the lives of young people who stand between two worlds. The children of Albanian immigrants in Greece are more than their inherited pasts; they represent a new narrative of belonging and identity. Through the voices of Denisa, Dimitris, Stefania, and Orestis, we sought to uncover stories that transcend the primordial labels of “Albanian” or “Greek.” These young people have woven their own life experiences into something unique—both Albanian and Greek, yet also something entirely new and hopeful. At a time when identity wars shape political and social landscapes across Europe and the Balkans through division, this documentary challenges the idea that identities must be tied to antagonism (conflict or division). Instead, it celebrates diversity emerging from embracing multiple belongings. This film is our tribute to an in-between generation that refuses to be confined by borders, be they geographic or cultural. It’s a journey of resilience, hope, and forging a new, uncharted belonging."
Stills from the film
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Featuring: Denisa Lidia Bajraktari, Dimitris Kapouranis, Stefania Kosta, Oresti Shqau
Produced by Onassis Culture
Directed by Ilir Tsouko
Written by Dimitris Christopoulos, Georgia Spyropoulou, Biorni Leka
Scientific Advisor: Dimitris Christopoulos
Executive Producers: Dimitris Theodoropoulos, Pasqua Vorgia
Director of Photography: Carlos Muñoz
Edited by: Leart Rama
Color Grading: Maria Tzortzatou
Sound Engineering: Manolis Makridakis, Filippos Manesis
Sound Mix: Kostas Dokos
Original Music: Leart Rama
Subtitles: Eleana Ziakou
Line Producers: EYE FILM – Viktoria Vellopoulou, Yiannis Karachalios
Special Thanks to: Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece; Ministry of Internal Affairs, Albania; Police Department of Kakavia and border authorities; NKT Neos Kosmos Theater, Athens; Marina Gavriilidou; Konstantinia Pavli; Arben and Sava Bajraktari; Fatbardh and Hydajete Bajraktari; Dimitris; Ilias; Tunel Terrace Club, Tirana; Star Sport Club, Voula, Konstandina Kaïmara
