Today, Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation (MEKI), attended the unveiling of the “Tirana Training Center,” an innovative hub dedicated to Albania’s creative industry, to be located in the former Film Studio are in the capital.

Minister Gonxhja described the “Tirana Training Center” as one of the most ambitious and promising projects for Albania’s artistic landscape, aimed at shaping the future of Albanian cinema.

“As the most pro-American people in the world, we have many reasons to admire the United States—the way of life, freedom, global influence. But above all, it’s the world where imagination, creativity, and the boundless power of dreams and change converge, as produced by Hollywood,” Minister Gonxhja stated.

He emphasized that the “Tirana Training Center” will quickly become the catalyst for a much-needed revolution in Albania’s creative industry.

“Today, years of efforts to reinvigorate this sector are naturally aligning with modern trends and market needs—early education, skill development, and employment. The opening of this creative center by Catalyst, under the guidance of renowned names who carry business cards from HBO, Warner Bros, Disney, Netflix, and others, in a space once established by Stalin’s request and blessing 70 years ago in a city that was once closed off to foreign films, is like a movie script telling the story of how a void can transform into an oasis of freedom, creativity, and the power of art and talent,” Gonxhja said.

According to the Minister, the project aims to create a new branch of vocational education focused on film and screen industries.

“This will be a valuable investment in educating future generations who will contribute to this dynamic industry, ensuring it stays on pace with modern times. Secondly, we are creating a direct tool that will connect the market with field enthusiasts, opening new opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of joint regional and international projects. Thirdly, we will help build a robust ecosystem of producers and support structures where anyone with passion can play a role in creating sustainable and innovative projects”.

“Lastly, this project has the potential to bring significant economic, social, and cultural benefits, positioning Albania at the heart of the Mediterranean’s creative and production industries,” he emphasized.

Minister Gonxhja also noted that the center will train 400 students, ranging from children to adults, in disciplines such as acting, directing, animation, cinematography, music, screenwriting, and more.

“With the opening of this center, we are laying the groundwork for a hub of events that will enrich our artistic calendar, including mini-film festivals, cinematography showcases, and Fame Tour, which will explore unique landscapes and filming opportunities across Albania”.

Gonxhja further highlighted that the creative industries generate about 5% of the European Union’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing over eight million jobs and ranking among the highest-paid sectors.

“The film ‘Lord of the Rings’ generated about $600 million annually at its peak in New Zealand. ‘Game of Thrones’ was also a great boon for Croatia, as well as for countries like Northern Ireland and Iceland, which saw tens of millions of Euros in benefits thanks to the tourism surge,” Gonxhja added.

In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation (MEKI) is fully committed to supporting this forward-looking model centered on production, innovation, and industry, rather than relying solely on state aid.

/a.p./