48 Hour Film Project announces winners

TIRANA, June 21 – “Perfect Couple” a short film directed by Gent Bejko has won the first edition of the 48 hour film project and will represent Albania “Best 48 Hour Film of 2010” in Los Angeles. A jury composed of the short-film’s president Robert Aliaj, Veton Nurkollari, the president of Docufest Kosovo and film critic Bland Ashiku also awarded the movie shot in just 48 hours with the best acting prize which went to Xheni Hallulli.
The best director prize was awarded to Neritan Muskaj for his “Don’t hate the game, but the player” movie.
The film editing prize went to Ervin Coba for his “Judge” movie while the best screenplay was won Gjergj Kalaja with the “Romance” short film.
The best cinematography prize went to trio Elis Puka, Ilir Kllojka and Marin Marika for their “Comb” movie which also grabbed the public prize.
The 48 Hour Film Project was staged in Tirana for the first time from June 11 to 12 at the premises of the National Theatre. Filmmakers from all over the Albania competed to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours.
Filmmakers from Kosovo and Macedonia and Diaspora were also invited to participate in the festival brought to Albania by Robert Aliaj who represented Belgium in last year’s edition of the competition.
The 48-hour film festival featured problems in Albania, and the echo that different social problems leave in our mentality. “We will not only bring success but also export culture, we will produce films which will be exported abroad and promoted in 81 countries of the globe,” said organizer Aliaj.
The 48 Hour Film Project is the oldest and largest timed film competition in the world. Its mission is to advance filmmaking and promote filmmakers. The tight 48-hour deadline puts the focus squarely on the filmmakers, emphasizing creativity and teamwork and “doing” instead of “talking.” The emphasis is also on building communities of local creative people – facilitating making new connections, showcasing skills, and celebrating what creativity and teamwork can accomplish in just one weekend.