Durres to host fifth international film festival

TIRANA, July 17 – For the fifth year in a row, the coastal city of Durres and its Roman amphitheatre will host an international film festival bringing together the latest regional and European productions. Organizers say the festival’s fifth edition will be held from August 26 to 30. The shortlisted films in the two top categories, Contemporary Visions and Balkan World have not been announced yet. The five-day festival will feature the Albanian Short Film where film school students will compete with their productions. This year’s Close Encounters programme will be dedicated to the French cinema.
“This edition will promote important and innovative works of modern world cinema introducing them to the local audiences. This year, the festival will also establish a section on International Documentary Programme and the Short Film. The official competition will consist of 8 features selected among the most significant recent productions and 6 features at Balkan World Section, recent productions from the region. Durres is going once again, this year, to welcome many foreign artists and film makers, who will get to know Albania and this magnificent city through film,” organizers say on their website.
In last year’s edition, Vincere, an Italian-French co-production directed by Marco Bellocchio was announced the winner of Durres film festival. Francis Ford Coppola, the famous U.S director was the festival’s special guest.
The festival, which has become the largest annual film events, also serves to promote tourism in Durres, a city which boasts a 2700-year-old history. It is supported by the Culture Ministry, the National Cinematography Centre and Durres Municipality.
Prizes awarded in this festival include the Golden Gladiator to the best film, the best director, best actor and actress, the film critic award, best Balkan film, and the Golden Gladiator – Career Achievement.