The third edition of Travel Fest Albania concluded with a memorable award ceremony, gathering students from the European University of Tirana, lecturers, and film lovers. The event was hosted by festival director Pandeli Ceco and Belina Budini, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts.
Seven photographers were awarded for their outstanding work that captured themes of tradition, heritage, the human spirit, wildlife, and culture, showcasing the artistic depth of travel photography.
In the film categories, five authors were honored for their contributions in technical fields such as film editing, screenwriting, cinematography, and sound design, demonstrating the craftsmanship behind the festival’s cinematic selection.
One of the evening’s highlights was the announcement of the 12 best films across various categories. Mrs. Belina Budini, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, presented the award for the Environment & Ecology category to Italian director Raffaella Lorusso for her impactful film Neverland. The film was praised for its compelling portrayal of environmental issues, making it a standout in the ecological filmmaking genre.
In the Albanian category, the award was given to Albanian director Adrian Guri for his film Saving the Vjosa River – The Story Behind. Festival director Pandeli Ceco presented the award, recognizing the film’s important message about preserving one of Albania’s most precious natural treasures.
The night culminated in the announcement of the Best Film Award, which went to When Fish Begin to Crawl, directed by Morag McKinnon and Jim Sutherland from the United Kingdom. This 65-minute immersive 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 through the formation of galaxies, the emergence of life, and today’s ecological crises, showcasing the interconnectedness of all living things.
Travel Fest Albania’s third edition was a vibrant celebration of creativity and environmental awareness, offering a platform for filmmakers and photographers to explore cultural and natural heritage through powerful visual storytelling.