The Albanian Film Festival returned to Tirana after a 14-year break, closing its latest edition with a gala ceremony and awards for the country’s leading filmmakers, directors and actors.

The festival’s top prize, the Film Festival Cup, went to “A Cup of Coffee and New Shoes On,” directed by Gentjan Koçi.

Meanwhile, Adriana Matoshi won Best Actress for her performance in “Luna Park,” while Blerim Destani received Best Actor for his role in “Amsterdam Express.”

The jury named Gjergj Xhuvani Best Director, while Dritan Huqi and Vjollca Dedej won the Best Producers award.

The festival also honored veteran actress Tinka Kurti with the Career Award for her outstanding contribution to Albanian cinema and theatre.

“Open Door,” directed by Florenc Papas, won Best First Film and Best Cinematography, with Sevdije Kastrati behind the camera. “Bolero in the Old People’s Home,” with music by Endri Sina, won Best Music, while “My Lake,” directed by Gjergj Xhuvani, received Best Screenplay.

The Best Producer award for “Amsterdam Express” went to Rozeta Feri.

The festival ran from September 3 to 12 at several cultural venues across Tirana. Organizers screened around 220 films produced between 2012 and 2026 at the University of Arts, Agimi Cinema, the Pyramid of Tirana and Film Zone at Mother Teresa Square.

According to organizers, around 20,000 people attended screenings and festival events during the 10-day program.

The festival used the Official Jury, Film Academy and public vote to recognize this year’s winners. Its return aims to revive an important Albanian film tradition and create a lasting platform for promoting local films, filmmakers and actors.

/a.c/