The journey of foreign authors from around the world towards the second edition of the Photography and Film Festival concluded tonight with a grand award ceremony at the Amphitheatre of Tirana. Below the stars and surrounded by enthusiasm and positive energy, 27 out of 112 selected films were honored and additionally, 7 photographers were recognized for their keen and detailed eye.
The jury consisted of professionals from various fields who warmly welcomed these eager tourists, not only for their art but also for history and culture. The award for “Best Photography” went to Michael Stoeger for “Wintery Skies.”
“Thank you so much! This doesn’t happen every day! I am happy to be here and deeply touched by this award. For this photo, I would say it was taken in the South of Australia. Our true home is the Universe. I knew this as a child, even though we often forget it as we grow up,” expressed Michael Stoeger.
The award for “Best Film” went to Julien Guéraud for “Quest for Silence,” a film about the noises of life and the battles against them.
“This is a very significant award for me because five years ago, while working in my small room, I would have never thought that I would win it. I am very happy to be here in this beautiful country like Albania, among wonderful people,” said Julien Guéraud.
The Travel Fest Festival organizers themselves awarded Mikael Kyster for his short and comedic documentary, “The Kyster Family in Albania.” During the festival, video calls with absent authors were not lacking, and one of them was Mikael. He greeted everyone and shared a unique message related to his production, stating, “The true prize is not a trophy but the people everyone meets along the way,” referring to his past experience at Travel Fest Albania.
As impressions of the beauty and values of Albania were articulated from one award to another, from one author to another, there were also praises from the jury members. They all came together not only for the grand organization but above all for the quality and originality of the competing films.
“I am surprised! I have seen some very interesting documentaries in terms of construction, structure, and simple philosophy. I have seen very few clichés, typical patterns,” expressed Ermal Hasimja, adding humorously, “Certainly, next year, I will also be a competitor.”
The award for the “Environment and Ecology” category went to director Karsten de Vreugd for “Paved Paradise.”
“A special thanks goes to the volunteers of this festival who have worked hard for its realization, as well as the people behind the cameras. Without them, we are nothing,” said de Vreugd.
From July 3 to 7, a grand total of 112 films were screened in Tirana, Durrës, and Gjirokastër. Invited filmmakers had the opportunity to embark on a tour, visiting breathtaking tourist destinations such as Gjirokastra, Saranda, Durres, and Tirana. These 112 films successfully captivated the senses of a diverse audience, further enhancing the festival experience. Undoubtedly, the second edition of the festival surpassed its predecessor in terms of success and impact.
Travel Fest Albania
Reviews
We thank all the competitors in the first & second edition of Travel Fest Albania for their reviews
Iryna Melnyk
A magnificent festival experience! Well organized, formal and hospital! Perfect staff and communication. Am so proud to be awarded at Travel Fest Albania with my documentary ´´5 Villages. Spanish Debut´´. Highly recommended!
David C. González
Travel Fest Albania was a rewarding experience. My short film ‘Elements’ was part of the competition, and although I could not attend personally, I appreciated the opportunity to see it screened at the festival. The selection of films from different countries created an interesting atmosphere and the opportunity to present my work.
Fabien Bastide
What a pleasure to have been part of this great festival. The team is pro and friendly, the organisation is effective and the Albanian are so welcoming. On the top of that, my film “Noria” received the Best Script Award in the “Expeditions and Routes” category! What more could I ask?
Matteo Archondis
The festival was an amazing opportunity to merge discovering Albania and connecting with new creators and filmmakers from all around the world. Thank you for this amazing gift!
Derek Galon
This is one of best experiences ever. Prompt, super-friendly communications, a dedicated and knowledgeable team, good organization. Feels like dealing with good friends. Thank you!
Serkan Aktaş
I was honored to participate in this year’s Travel Fest Albania with “Resurrection under the Ocean” short film! – 😃😃😃🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏
Blane Henderson
I was very honored to receive Best Cinematographer Award for Caged with Great White Sharks, but I received notification only two days prior to the awards night in Albania. I live in the US, so attending was impossible, but Pandeli Ceco was very communicative and gracious and accommodated a short video to address the award. Thank you Travel Fest Albania!
Eloy Zecca
It was an honour to be selected at Travel Fest Albania, with “Return to the lost Eden” and winner the audience award!! Was amazing the opportunity to connect with others filmmakers, a great experience the journey through the Albanian Riviera, such a wonderful country!
Thank you to all the volunteers, to the jury and to Pandeli Ceco, you can feel the passion and dedication in everyone involved in. For sure the best festival experience that I have ever had. I will come back for sure!
Mikael Kyster
It was such an honour to be selected with our movie THE KYSTER FAMILY IN NEW ZEALAND. We had a fantastic time at the festival and every single staff involved did such an amazing job in making this the best experience. Thank you to our fellow filmmakers, the volunteers, the jury, Pandeli Ceco and everybody who contributed to one of the best festivals in recent memory. Hugs and love from Mikael Kyster & family
Ioannis Giannelis
Will regret for a long time not being able to participate in this festival. The communication, organization and program was far from anything i have seen so far. Hope to make it next year.
Päivi Kapiainen-Heiskanen
Thank you ever so much for selecting Seeking New Paths for your programme. Was planning to attend this year but will in the years to come. All the best and keep up the good work!
Olivier Bourgeois
Many thanks to the organization of the festival for their kindness and to the Travel Fest Albania jury, we feel honored that “BLUE PARADISES” has been Officialy selected. Again many thanks
Filipe Morato Gomes
I was very honoured to receive “Destinations” Category Award for Serra da Lousã film. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the awards night in Albania and meet the team in person. I wish all the best for the next editions of Travel Fest Albania. Thank you so much.
Eureka Film
Festival organized in the best possible way, with good films, with perfect accommodation, we had a great time in Tirana, we also won the best Albanian film, a festival of international proportions, apply if you want to enjoy yourself during a few days of the festival !
Hossein Moradizadeh
It was my honor to attend the festival, and I am also very happy that the film Red Wisdom an award. I would like to thank the organizers of the festival and especially the jury.
EFFE label 2022-2023 for Travel Fest Albania
Travel Fest Albania is awarded the EFFE label, being ranked among the best festivals in Europe at FestivalFinder.eu. The EFFE Label is Europe’s quality stamp for remarkable arts festivals showing their engagement in the field of the arts, community involvement and international openness.
The European Festivals Association (EFA) award belongs to all the staff of the festival, which after a first edition received excellent feedback from the authors of the films and the audience in the festival.
