Day Two of Travel Fest Albania: A Diverse Showcase of Global Films

Day two of Travel Fest Albania at the Arts C Building of the European University of Tirana presented a captivating lineup of films, drawing an audience of students, filmmakers, and film lovers eager to explore unique narratives from around the world. The screenings featured a mix of animation, student projects, and powerful explorations of history, heritage, adventure, and the environment, reflecting the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

The day kicked off with Inu_Bond, an enchanting Chinese animation by directors Shuyi Qiu and Xiangrui Chen. Running just over three minutes, this short film offered a visually engaging experience, highlighting the emotional connection between humans and animals, a theme that resonated deeply with viewers.

TRANSHUMARATHON, a 20-minute Italian documentary directed by Fulvio Terminelli, took audiences on a journey through history and heritage. The film explores the ancient practice of transhumance, where shepherds guide their herds across Italy’s historic landscapes, blending culture and endurance in a compelling narrative.

Environmental awareness took center stage with Neverland, directed by Raffaella Lorusso from Italy. The 14-minute film, part of the Environment & Ecology category, painted a striking picture of the fragility of natural ecosystems, urging viewers to reflect on the pressing need for conservation.

The student film category offered an international flavor, beginning with NATURE ATTACK by French director Erik Semashkin. In just over three minutes, this clever and fast-paced film brought nature to life in unexpected and imaginative ways, showcasing the talents of emerging filmmakers.

Jonathan Galland’s The Ribbon from the United States was another animated highlight, blending captivating visuals and a heartfelt story in its four-and-a-half-minute runtime. The film’s delicate storytelling and beautiful animation left a lasting impression on the audience.

The Canadian animation Tiny, directed by Ritchie Hemphill and Ryan Haché, followed with a 16-minute exploration of scale and connection. Through its unique artistic style, the film posed thought-provoking questions about the significance of small moments and details in the larger narrative of life.

Adventure lovers were treated to Three Shades of Pyrenees, a 30-minute Slovakian film by Jaro Tešlár. The documentary took viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through the rugged landscapes of the Pyrenees, combining stunning visuals with a spirit of adventure and exploration.

Closing the day’s screenings was On The Edge Of The Mountain, a student film from Sweden directed by Miranda Lunnerhag. In just over eight minutes, the film explored themes of solitude, challenge, and discovery in the mountainous regions, wrapping up the second day of Travel Fest Albania with a focus on human resilience.

The diverse range of films showcased on day two left the audience inspired by the creative visions and storytelling from across the globe, setting the tone for the rest of the festival.