The third edition of Travel Fest Albania concluded with an exciting award ceremony, attended by students from the European University of Tirana, lecturers, and film enthusiasts. Over three days, 30 selected films were screened, and 20 photographs from competitors around the world were exhibited at the cinemas of the European University of Tirana.
Seven photographers were recognized for their outstanding work, capturing diverse themes such as tradition, heritage, the human spirit, cultural events, and wildlife through their lenses.
In the film categories, five authors were honored for their contributions in editing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound design, and directing, while the awards culminated in the announcement of the 12 best films across various categories. Mrs. Belina Buduni, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, presented the award for the “Environment & Ecology” category to Italian director Raffaella Lorusso for her film Neverland (L’Isola che non c’è). The film was praised for its powerful depiction of environmental issues.
In the “Albanian” category, the award was given to Albanian director Adrian Guri for his film Saving the Vjosa River – Beyond History by festival director Pandeli Ceco. The film conveyed the important message of preserving one of Albania’s most precious natural treasures.
The ceremony culminated in the announcement of the Best Film Award, which went to When Fish Begin to Crawl, directed and composed by Jim Sutherland and written by BAFTA-winning screenwriter Morag McKinnon from the United Kingdom. This impressive 65-minute triptych, featuring a symphonic score performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, tells a universal story about humanity’s deep connection with nature and time. The film takes the audience on an impressionistic journey from the formation of galaxies to the emergence of life and today’s ecological crises, showcasing the interconnectedness of everything in nature.
The third edition of Travel Fest Albania was a celebration of creativity and a call for awareness about environmental issues, providing a platform for filmmakers and photographers to explore cultural and natural heritage through powerful visual storytelling.
Winning Films of the Third Edition of Travel Fest Albania
Winning photos of the third edition of Travel Fest Albania
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.
