Last night in Tirana, the 22nd edition of the Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF) officially kicked off. Over 200 films from both Albanian and international cinema will be showcased, running until September 28.

TIFF has established itself as one of the most significant cultural events in Albania. Selected films will be screened at various venues, including Millennium Cinema, Agimi Art Center, the “Tonin Harapi” Hall at the Artistic High School, and “Maks Velo” Cinema, where students can enjoy a 75% discount on ticket prices.

The festival opened with a red carpet parade of filmmakers, followed by the exclusive premiere of “Parthenope,” the latest film from acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino.

As in previous years, the competing films are categorized accordingly. Notably, the world premiere of the 4K restored version of “Kapedani” will be screened at Millennium Cinema.

This year’s TIFF pays homage to one of cinema’s greatest actors, Marcello Mastroianni, featuring several of his films in a special RetrospecTIFF session.

Additionally, the best short film at “TIFF 2024” will qualify for the 2025 Oscars and the 2024 European Film Awards. Officially selected student films are also eligible for the Student Academy Awards (SAA). For the first time, a special jury made up of students from the University of Arts will evaluate the films in the official competition and will actively participate after each screening.

/a.c/