Tirana Times
PRISHTINA, Oct. 1 – Nik Xhelilaj has won another prize for his starring role in “The Albanian” (Der Albaner) movie telling the story of an Albanian immigrant in Germany. The young actor won the Best Actor award, a Golden Goddess with a plaque bearing the signature “Bekim Fehmiu Award” in the second edition of PriFilmFest held in Kosovo capital, Prishtina, from September 22 to 29.
Der Albaner, a German-Albanian co-production directed by Johannes Naber, also grabbed the special jury award.
This edition’s Golden Goddess award for Best Film went to “Na Putu” (On the road), by Jasmila Zbanic from Bosnia, the award being received on stage by actor and co-producer of the film – Leon Lucev.
The Golden Goddess for best director went to Nader T. Homavoun, for the film “Tehroun” (Teheran), an Iranian-French co-production.
Two special acknowledgments were given to movies “Gjalle” (Alive) by Albanian director Artan Minarolli and “If I want to whistle, I whistle” by Romania’s Florin Serban.
The Media Award went to the film “War is over” by Mitko Panov, a Macedonian-Swiss co-production while the Audience Award, was given to the Kosovo film “Gomaret e Kufirit” (Border Donkeys), directed by Jeton Ahmetaj.
For seven days in a row, PriFilmFest offered Prishtina festive nights with many film premieres from all over the world, cocktails, parties and hang-outs, interviews and discussions with the festival’s special guests. Local and world renowned stars walked the red carpet as they went in. Renowned Italian actor Franco Nero was a special guest in the festival with his newest film, ‘Angelus Hiroshimae.’
Festival director Vjosa Berisha said as quoted by the festival’s website “the Festival proved that the friendship which began last year continued with great intensity this year, and will continue for many more years and grow further thanks to the help by its supporters and friends. We are very satisfied with the success that this festival achieved this year and we will continue with great work and commitment in the years to comeŢ
Three months ago, Xhelilaj won the best actor prize for his new starring role in “The Albanian” movie in the 32nd edition of the Moscow International Film Festival.
“A one-way trip in the lowlands of the European dream. Where it’s dark. Where nobody cares. Where exile, loneliness and money prevail. This is the story of Arben, the Albanian,’ who leaves Europe’s poorest country for the richest. He needs money to marry and obey the rules of his people. But Eldorado has its own rules, it does not welcome strangers and only the strongest survive. The ‘Albanian’ is one of them, he will pay the price and learn that losing his innocence does not guarantee a fair return ticket,” says the festival’s website about the movie.
Producer Dritan Huqi said that the major part of the budget for “The Albanian” was provided by Germany. However, Albania also invested into the film. “Not the amount of money given but participation was essential for us because the film reflects our mutual problem,” said the producer. Xhelilaj, 27, has also starred in several recent releases such as “The sorrow of Mrs. Schneider” and “Alive,” two co-productions released in 2008.
