I Love You More

In a remote village in Kosovo, shy teenager Ben has been secretly chatting online with Leo from Germany for over a year. The two have developed a deep connection and are finally planning their first in-person meeting. Ben is full of anticipation and carefully makes plans for Leo's visit. But suddenly his family receives the news that they have been granted long-awaited green cards for the United States and are supposed to emigrate soon. Ben faces the difficult decision of either leaving for an uncertain future with his family or staying in Kosovo for the chance of love and self-discovery. The film I LOVE YOU MORE is the feature debut of Kosovar director Erblin Nushi. Based on his own experiences, Nushi tells a sensitive coming-of-age story about the challenges of a young man discovering his sexual identity in a conservative society. Don Shala gives an authentic performance as the lead role of Ben, portraying the character's inner turmoil and longing. At his side, Leonik Sahiti plays the role of Leo, while Luan Jaha and Shengyl Ismaili portray Ben's parents. I LOVE YOU MORE celebrated its world premiere at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival in 2023. It was then shown at various international festivals, including the Mix Copenhagen LGBTQ+ Film Festival and the Chéries-Chéris Festival in Paris. The film was praised for its sensitive portrayal of the themes of love, identity and cultural conflicts, and received positive reviews for its authentic narrative style and convincing acting performances.

Keywords

  • Creatives: Debut Films
  • Screen: Southeast Europe
  • Storyline: Queer Love
  • Coming of Age
  • cultural differences
  • relationship
  • teen

Actors

  • Don Shala
  • Irena Aliu
  • Leonik Sahiti
  • Luan Jaha
  • Melihate Qena
  • Shengyl Ismaili
  • Fjolla Nushi

Director

  • Erblin Nushi

Queer, Romance


1h 33min


12 FSK

EN


DE

Albania
Kosovo
2024
The longing for love compels Ben to risk his family for a boy he has never met.

The longing for love compels Ben to risk his family for a boy he has never met.


In a remote village in Kosovo, shy teenager Ben has been secretly chatting online with Leo from Germany for over a year. The two have developed a deep connection and are finally planning their first in-person meeting. Ben is full of anticipation and carefully makes plans for Leo's visit. But suddenly his family receives the news that they have been granted long-awaited green cards for the United States and are supposed to emigrate soon. Ben faces the difficult decision of either leaving for an uncertain future with his family or staying in Kosovo for the chance of love and self-discovery.


The film I LOVE YOU MORE is the feature debut of Kosovar director Erblin Nushi. Based on his own experiences, Nushi tells a sensitive coming-of-age story about the challenges of a young man discovering his sexual identity in a conservative society. Don Shala gives an authentic performance as the lead role of Ben, portraying the character's inner turmoil and longing. At his side, Leonik Sahiti plays the role of Leo, while Luan Jaha and Shengyl Ismaili portray Ben's parents.


I LOVE YOU MORE celebrated its world premiere at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival in 2023. It was then shown at various international festivals, including the Mix Copenhagen LGBTQ+ Film Festival and the Chéries-Chéris Festival in Paris. The film was praised for its sensitive portrayal of the themes of love, identity and cultural conflicts, and received positive reviews for its authentic narrative style and convincing acting performances.

Cast & Crew