The documentary “The Red Border – Strangers in Their Home” uncovers the silenced stories of artists from Albania and Kosovo who faced censorship, persecution, and artistic erasure during the communist regime. Developed through a cross-border collaboration, the project shed light on decades of repression while giving voice to artists, critics, musicians, and family members whose stories had long been neglected.
The initiative began with a roundtable discussion in Pristina, where artists, researchers, and cultural professionals from Albania and Kosovo exchanged insights on historical censorship. This was followed by an in-depth research phase that involved gathering archival materials and conducting interviews with ten key stakeholders, including family members of banned artists, poets, publishers, art critics, and institutional representatives.
Drawing on this material, the project team developed a comprehensive documentary script highlighting emblematic cases such as writer Anton Pashku, painter Sadri Ahmeti, and the rock band “Ilirët.” Filming took place in both Pristina and Tirana, and production was finalized in January 2025. The completed documentary runs for 70 minutes and features English subtitles, original music, and archival footage.
The film premiered on February 14, 2025, at Kino Armata in Pristina. The screening brought together more than 100 participants, including ambassadors, municipal representatives, poets, academics, and members of the artistic community. The documentary was also broadcast on Report TV in Albania in March 2025 as part of the series Dosja K, further extending its public reach. During September, the documentary was shown during Respoetika festival in Prizren.
By documenting the lived experiences of artists and illuminating the mechanisms of state censorship, The Red Border – Strangers in Their Home contributes to collective remembrance and cultural dialogue in the Western Balkans. It offers a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic freedom and the enduring impact of historical injustices on cultural life.
Implementing partners: Kujto Foundation (Albania), Social Creativity (Kosovo).
Banned artists in their homeland project was supported by the British Council through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” project, funded by the European Union. CC4WBs aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.