Pogradec, the capital of Balkan cinema / The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival opens

2026-06-24 12:00:00, Qyteti im CNA

Pogradec, the capital of Balkan cinema / The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and

Balkan cinema descends once again on Pogradec. The lakeside city has opened its doors for the 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival, an event that brings together artists, directors and producers from the countries of the region for several days, bringing to the screen the different histories, cultures and realities of the Balkans.

Around 60 films from the Balkan countries are part of this edition, competing in several categories: student films, short films, animated films, documentaries and feature films. For the organizers, this festival is not just a film competition, but above all a meeting space between artists, where bridges of communication and opportunities for new collaborations are created.

The director and organizer of the festival, Eno Milkani, says that every year the festival brings topics related to the reality of the region, while the choice of Pogradec as the host city is not accidental.

"Of course they bring films of the category that we have. You know, student short films, short films, cartoons, some documentaries and feature films. What makes it special every year are two things: the themes, which are always adapted to things happening in the Balkans, and the second is that artists from the Balkans always come here and meet each other, exchange experiences, ideas, get to know each other and maybe make future collaborations," said Milkani.

According to Milkani, Pogradec has a special connection to the spirit of the festival, as the city's history, culture, and geographical position match the very Balkan character of this activity.

"Yes, of course, this is the idea because Pogradec is the most suitable city and perhaps one of the most beautiful cities to host this type of festival that suits it. It is the Balkans that are very connected to Pogradec. It is a festival that you cannot do in Durrës, for example. Durrës would have a different kind of physiognomy, perhaps more international. Shkodra something else. Whereas Pogradec is very suited to this symbiosis of the Balkans and the location," he said.

This year's festival comes with a more selective program, where films are more focused on different themes and categories.

"That's why we chose Pogradec and it always remains a very special city. This year there are fewer films, but they are more concentrated, so to speak. They are also divided into categories, as I said. Tomorrow we have student films, the day after tomorrow there are short films, cartoons and feature films, and documentaries in the afternoon," he added.

The festival organizer, Gerta Qyrku, states that the audience will have the opportunity to attend productions from across the Balkans, while one of the special moments of this edition will be dedicated to the great Albanian actor, Rikard Ljarja.

"The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival opens today in the beautiful city of Pogradec. Around 60 films from all Balkan countries are competing. Admission, as we always and consistently say, is free in the cinema. You can find the schedules advertised on our official websites, on the Municipality website and in all the city's hotels, business cards have been distributed for tourists so that they can attend the 16th edition ," said Qyrku.

One of this year's novelties is the return to the big screen of the figure of Rikard Ljarja, through two important works of Albanian cinematography. The films of this edition bring not only new stories, but also the way in which Balkan artists have reflected through art on the developments and problems of the time.

"A novelty is with the dear friend of the festival, Rikard Ljarja. We will screen two films: the film 'Commissioner of Light' and the documentary 'Rikard' by Mevlan Shanaj. We will have our beloved Rikard present on the big screen of Pogradec. This year the festival brings new films again. We will see events from the Balkan countries. We believe that we share the same history, but at the same time we will also see what has happened and how the artists have been inspired during this year with their new productions ," she said.

Among the participants of this edition are also artists who have followed this activity since its beginnings. Artist from Kosovo, Driton Hajredini, recalls his participation in the first edition and the inseparable connection with the Pogradec festival.

"Yes, this is the 16th time we have come to this festival. I was a participant with a short film, titled 'Like a Dog in Grapes'. I participated in the first edition, Balkan Film Food Festival, and quite by chance I won the first prize for short film. And since then, since then, my family and I have never been apart from the festival," said Hajredini.

For actress Velina Muçolli, the festival has become an annual event that cannot be missed.

"It's the 16th year, we don't intend to leave, we pray that it will last as long as it has, meaning many, many more years. For us, it's the most beloved festival. I've also left the last episode of the series, I don't stop the series there for any reason, except for the Pogradec festival. Pleasure always, always, always ," said Muçolli.

Even the new generation of artists sees this festival as a special opportunity to get to know the world of film and the cultures of the countries of the region.

"This is my favorite festival, and thank you Gita for inviting us to this festival. I have been coming to this festival since I was little and I really liked it. The films were very interesting, they were artistic, with very beautiful films and things," he added.

She also appreciates the hospitality of the lakeside city and the atmosphere created during the festival days.

"Once again, I thank Gita and the city of Pogradec, which we love very, very, very much. It is very beautiful. And the people are the most hospitable people of all Albanian lands. And it is very good ," she said.

The Balkan Film and Culinary Festival continues its activities in Pogradec, turning the city into a stage for several days where cinema, culture and traditions of the Balkan countries meet. /CNA