The 15th Balkan Film and Culinary Festival ended in Pogradec. The lakeside city once again became the cultural capital of the region.

For five days, over 50 Balkan films lit up the screens. Critics and audiences praised the rich program. Ten awards went to filmmakers from across the region, highlighting Balkan diversity.

Festival director Gerta Qurku said Pogradec “spoke the language of film” and promised work on the next edition begins immediately.

The “Fatos Baxhaku” Award went to Greek director Dimitris Argyriou for “Memories of Occupation.” His documentary explores World War II trauma through the story of a village destroyed by Nazis. “This film is about facing the past,” Argyriou said. “I’m proud of this prize and eager to return.”

Restored classics offered audiences a rare, nostalgic experience. Eljan Tanini, head of the National Film Archive, warned many films would vanish without restoration. He proposed adding signs in Pogradec at film-shoot locations to boost cultural tourism.

With cinema, cuisine, and culture, the festival turned Pogradec into a vibrant stage for Balkan art. It remains a strong bridge of cooperation and a magnet for elite cultural tourism.

/a.c/