Yllka Gashi

Actress

Yllka Gashi is an Albanian actress born in 1982 Prishtina. She graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts/Acting of the University of Prishtina.

She began her acting career at 17, debuting as Ophelia in Hamlet, directed by David Gothard-CBE, at the National Theatre of Kosovo in 1999. 

Yllka became a household name in Kosovo and the Albanian diaspora, starring as Zana in FAMILJA MODERNE, a beloved TV series with over 300 episodes produced by Radio Television of Kosovo.  

Her international breakthrough came with her role as Fahrije in Blerta Basholli’s HIVE. The film made history at the 2021 Sundance, winning three major awards in the World Cinema Competition and earning a spot on the shortlist for the 94th Oscars. 

Now based in the Greater New York City area, Yllka remains a celebrated figure in her homeland and a passionate advocate, having served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and Artist Ambassador for Save the Children. 

FILMOGRAPHY

Feature Film

  • HIVE (2021)

  • KUKUMI (2005)

  • VULTURE / SHKABA (2005)

 

Short Film

  • THE WEDDING TAPE (2011)

  • LENA & ME (2011)

  • THE SHOEMAKER (2011)

  • MESAZHI (2009)

  • PSE NUK PO FOLË?” (2009)  

  • RELAX (2003)

 

TV series 

  • FAMILJA MODERNE - 10 seasons, 318 episodes (2004 - 2011)

  • KOMBINATI - 1 season, 22 episodes

  • INSIDE JUSICE