The Albanian National Film Festival will return after a 14-year break. The festival aims to reconnect Albanian cinema with the public and create new opportunities for artists and filmmakers.
The National Center of Cinematography (QKK) supports the event, while Ilir Butka leads its artistic direction. Iceberg Communication joins the festival as co-producer. For 10 days, the event will turn Tirana into a major cultural hub.
QKK Chairman Jonid Jorgji welcomed the festival’s return. He said Albanian filmmakers have produced many films and documentaries in recent years. QKK has supported most of these productions. However, Jorgji said limited resources have not stopped the institution from supporting new ideas, stories and film projects.
Jorgji also highlighted the festival’s wider role. He said the event will offer more than film screenings. It will bring artists and filmmakers together and create a space for discussion. Audiences will also have the chance to meet artists who have not appeared in public for some time.
Meanwhile, Albanian cinema continues to develop. The sector has started legal reforms and increased investment in infrastructure. It has also introduced programs that support education and promotion. Jorgji said the National Film Festival forms part of these efforts.
The festival will open with a gala at the University of Arts. Leading Albanian cinema figures from Albania and abroad will attend. Organizers will also present Career Awards to major figures who shaped Albanian cinema.
The festival will honor Esat Musliu, Petrit Beci, Pëllumb Kulla, Reshat Arbana, Robert Ndrenika, Robert Radoja, Roza Anagnosti, Saimir Kumbaro and Tinka Kurti. It will also remember Birçe Hasko, Ibrahim Muçaj, Kristaq Mitro, Margarita Xhepa, Piro Milkani, Xhanfise Keko and Xhevdet Feri.
The festival will open with “My Lake,” a tribute to director Gjergj Xhuvani. Over the next 10 days, audiences will watch more than 100 Albanian films produced from 2013 to today.
The Albanian National Film Festival began in 1976. This year’s edition will present a broad view of Albanian cinema over the past 13 years. Ultimately, the organizers want the festival to do more than celebrate films. They want it to connect artists, filmmakers and audiences and bring Albanian cinema closer to the public.
/a.c/
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