This is the antique theater of Adrianopolis, where Kosta Zhonga began the initiative called the International Short Film Festival of Dropull, in Gjirokaster.
“This is a magical place, which gave us the idea to realize this festival. We had a very special feeling when we came here…” said Kosta Zhonga.
The festival held film viewings that were open to the public during the course of 3 nights, which included a competition amongst 20 films by Albanian and Greek directors.
The main prize was awarded to Oltjon Lipe’s film titled ‘Pashka’, a production that brings to light the problem of migration.
In the film, father and son traveled together to Albania, with their memories of Greece with them. Actor, Karafil Shena, who plays the role of the father in the movie, spoke about the emotions felt during the film shooting.
“During the shooting, I truly believe he was my son. Greece was a country to live in and Albania, a country to to die in,” said Shena.
Greek writer and director, Nikos Theodosiou, who was part of the jury also made up of directors Esat Musliu and Joan Zhongo said that festivals like this should be more accessible to small towns and communities.
During the final night of the festival, there was a viewing of an animated film created locally, by director Joan Zhonga.
Throughout all the days of the festival, the local children were part of workshops, where they learned about clay-modeling methods and techniques, while also taking drawing and painting classes.
In the end, their works were made part of an exhibition by painter Jorgo Mici, which opened up for public viewing.
The director of the festival, Kosta Zhonga hopes that festivals like this, where the arts and cinema are a central focus, can have a chance to proliferate and continue year after year.
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