The Albanian National Film Festival Cup, held after a 14-year absence, went to Gentian Koç's film, "A Cup of Coffee and New Shoes." The 2022 production is a psychological drama centered on two deaf and mute brothers who face the challenge of losing another sense.
Director Gentian Koçi spoke with dedication about the work done on the film, the filming of which coincided with the pandemic.
The national festival, which was held from September 3 to 12, screened 100 films produced over 13 years. In the feature film category, the jury, composed of Blerta Zeqiri, Bogdan Muresanu, Rajmonda Bulku, Ylljet Aliçka and Haig Zacharian, awarded some of the main prizes. During the evening, the music of Albanian films was played by the RTSH orchestra, while there were performances by renowned actors Arben Bajraktaraj and Ema Andrea.
Director Florenc Papas received an award for the film "Open Door", a film that was also awarded for best photography by Sevdije Kastrati.
The best actor and actress were Blerim Destani, who was not present, and Adriana Matoshi, who expressed her gratitude when she said that "I am receiving the award in Pristina, but I am leaving the best memories in Tirana."
The Best Screenplay award went to director Gjergj Xhuvani's film "My Lake", his last cinematic production before he passed away. His daughter took the stage and said it was a joy to receive an award on behalf of her father.
A special moment was the Career Award for Tinka Kurti, which was part of the festival's final night and brought the audience to its feet, clapping for several minutes. "I'm so excited to be here," said Kurti, in her 90s, as she kissed the trophy while lifting the weight in the hall.
With 31 awards in total, there were awards for the documentary by Suela Bako, Yllka Gjollesha and Mevlan Shanaj, while in addition to the jury, 15 awards were given by the Academy and 5 others by the public, where Andamion Murataj, Pluton Vasi, Artur Dauti, Ardit Vila, etc. were praised.
PRICE LIST
Winners of the Albanian National Film Festival, 14th Edition.
JURY AWARDS FOR THE BEST FEATURE FILM
Best Career Feature Film
A CUP OF COFFEE AND NEW SHOES, Gentian Koçi
Best Feature Film / First Feature
OPEN DOOR, Florenc Papas
Best Screenplay Award
Gjergj Xhuvani, MY LAKE
Best Director of Photography Award
Sevdije Kastrati, OPEN DOOR
Best Music Award
Endri Sina, BOLERO IN THE OLD MAN'S VILLA
Best Producer Award
Ferry Rosetta, AMSTERDAM EXPRESS
Best Actress Award
Adriana Matoshi, LUNA PARK
Best Actor Award
Blerim Destani, AMSTERDAM EXPRESS
Best Short Film Award
CHAMPION, Ermir Keta
Special Mention: NEWS, Lorin Terezi
Award for Best Documentary Film
LIGHT, Suela Bako, Yllka Gjollesha
Best Animated Film Award
ETHNOPHOBIA, Joan Zhonga
Winners of the Audience Awards at the Albanian National Film Festival, 14th Edition.
Best Career Feature Film
HERE'S DANCING WITH THE STARS, Pluto Vasi
Best First Feature Film
THE MAN OF THE HOUSE, Andamion Murataj
Best Short Film
LIKE WATER, Ardit Vila
Best Documentary Film
RIKARD, Mevlan Shanaj
Best Animated Film
HUSBAND, Artur Dauti
