Private Project

The Unexpected Gift

Ela's biggest and only secret is her son Jon. Jon was born eight years ago as an act of rape, and after eight years he feels like nobody's son for the first time. The one that Jon knew as a father turns into a stranger, and he feels guilty towards his mother because of all the difficulties that he unknowingly caused. This tragic moment will be a metamorphosis for the family as a whole and of all its members individually.
Fearing the condemnation of her loved ones and relatives, Ela kept the rape secret for eight years, a problem that is evident in all rape victims. With silence, the number of raped women is growing, and the statistics are increasing year by year.

  • Merita Çegrani
    Director
  • Merita Çegrani
    Writer
  • Zarije Jonuzi Çeliku
    Key Cast
    "Ela"
  • Sami Mustafa
    Key Cast
    "Jon"
  • Blerim Dardhishta
    Key Cast
    "Artan"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Dhurata e Papritur
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Psychological Thriller, Social Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 22, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of
  • Language:
    Albanian
  • Shooting Format:
    REDCODE Raw codec
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Tetova
  • Manaki Brothers - International Cinematographers' Film Festival
    Bitola
    Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of
    September 28, 2023
    Domestic International Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Merita Çegrani

Merita Çegrani is a young and creative artist passionate in the field of film and television. She was born in 1999 in Gostivar and grew up in Chegrane, a village in the municipality of Gostivar in North Macedonia, and still lives there. From an early age, she has shown a strong interest in audiovisual art, as her family had a television of their own. This love for the art of film and television inspired her to pursue a career in this field.
Merita first went to primary school in the place where she is living, whereas the high school she finished in Gostivar. After that, she enrolled at the University of Tetova, at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, majoring in Film & TV Editing, where she successfully completed her studies. In this faculty, she showed exceptional dedication to what she did, demonstrating excellent skills in writing and producing audiovisual projects as a screenwriter, director and editor.
As a student, Merita managed to successfully direct several artistic and documentary projects. She wrote many screenplays, was part of the writing of other screenplays and directed short films, short documentaries, commercials, music videos, and has also done the work of editing. She has also collaborated with other directors to edit their films.
In addition to her work as a creator, Merita is also considered a valuable team member and a good collaborator. She is known for her dedication and seriousness in completing her projects.
Merita's motto is "Art for Progress," reflecting its belief in the power of art to bring about positive change and progress in society. Merita is determined to achieve success in the field of film and television and to bring her contribution to the art industry.

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