The Albanian film “Stars of the Future” was awarded Best International Film at the 8th edition of the Castelli Romani International Film Festival (CRoFFI), held from October 4-11 in Ariccia, Rome.

Written by Uli Bree and directed and produced by Edmond Topi, the film’s creative team included Leonard Qendro as cinematographer, Mirela Oktrova as artistic consultant, Saimir Çili as composer, and Eliodor Markja as editor, with makeup and costumes by Bebeka Alla.

The cast featured some of Albania’s most celebrated actors, including Tinka Kurti, Reshat Arbana, and Margarita Xhepa (all recognized as “Honors of the Nation”), as well as Luftar Paja (Master of Arts), Gazmend Paja, Elia Zaharia, Ema Andrea, and others.

“Stars of the Future” captivated the audience and caught the attention of the festival jury with its touching story about a group of elderly “youngsters” and their determination to live life to the fullest, despite life’s unexpected twists. The heartfelt performances by Kurti, Arbana, Xhepa, and Paja, added to the film’s charm.

The film follows Robi (Gazmend Paja), an aspiring musician facing a series of misfortunes, including legal trouble. After being sentenced to community service in a retirement home, Robi discovers new friendships and rekindles the residents’ zest for life, leading to an unusual musical collaboration with them. Despite obstacles from the home’s director (played by Ema Andrea), their collective effort turns them into unlikely heroes.

The CRoFFI featured short and feature-length films from over 15 countries, with 54 short films and 11 feature films competing. The festival’s screenings took place in various venues across the Castelli Romani region and online via CROFFI TV.

The competition categories included Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Director, with a total of 22 awards given for short films and 23 awards for feature-length films. The festival’s jury was composed of prominent figures from the world of cinema, including director Mimmo Calopresti, screenwriter Janet De Nardis, and actor Stefano Masciarelli, among others.

The Castelli Romani International Film Festival (CRoFFI) is a key cinematic event focused on independent productions. It aims to promote the Castelli Romani region, known for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance, as well as its eno-gastronomic offerings, attracting tourists beyond the usual sights of Rome.

The awards ceremony was held at the stunning Ducal Palace of Ariccia, a preserved baroque residence that has served as a backdrop for iconic films, including Leopard (Il Gattopardo) by Luchino Visconti.

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