Pogradec welcomed cinephiles and travelers alike as the 14th Balkan Film and Cuisine Festival kicked off on Tuesday evening, promising four days filled with a diverse selection of films.
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| At the Balkan Film Festival in Pogradec |
Over the next four days, directors, producers, and film students will showcase feature-length and short films to the eager audiences of Pogradec. Eno Milkani, the festival organizer, noted a significant increase in the production of high-quality films this year, particularly from film students and independent filmmakers.
"This year has seen a rise in film production due to the efforts of many independents who work tirelessly. Film schools are crucial, but let's not forget there are self-taught individuals learning from YouTube who produce outstanding films. We've observed that many quality films are not student-made but rather independent productions, including several feature-length films. As for the films competing over these four days, they cover a range of topics from youth issues, senior citizens, social themes, parental and child conflicts, sexual harassment, to mental health issues," shared Eno Milkani.
Gerta Qurku highlighted the inclusion of restored Albanian films with English subtitles for the first time at the festival, catering to international tourists seeking to engage with and understand these films.
"The films screened at Odeon are restored Albanian classics, subtitled in English for non-Albanian speakers. We've received tremendous support from the Albanian National Film Archive for this tourist season now underway in Pogradec. We are thrilled and eagerly awaited the start of this 14th edition," said Gerta Qurku, a producer.
The festival's opening night featured "Sophie," directed by Eduart Grishaj, setting the stage for an enriching cinematic experience. The festival concludes on June 29th, promising to leave a lasting impression on attendees with its diverse lineup and cultural offerings.