Competing short films

Director: Dhimiter Ismailaj 

Producer: Dyrrahium Production, Erand Sojli

Duration: 30 minutes

In Nazi occupied Albania, Ismail, a poor peasant, who is sheltering two Jewish men at home, is torn between “Besa” the code of honor and protecting his family, as the Nazis come looking for them in the village.

Dhimitri has directed ten (10) short films so far and written eight (8) of them. His last short comedy “Growing up Fat & Albanian”(2017) has been shown at over 20 film festival, winning 8 Awards so far. “Small Towns” won an Award of Merit in Directing at Southern Shorts Awards, September 2016. In 2014 he directed another short “Beneath the Surface”. His previous work “One Last Time” that deals with women diagnosed with terminal illness, (2012) had its world premiere at “Golden Boll International Film Festival” Adana, Turkey. “Requiem for Kosova” a short completed 2010, that deals with illegal organ trafficking in the Balkans, has been successfully shown in over 40 International Film Festivals around the globe, winning 8 Awards, while Dhimitri has received many praises for his talent and keen observation on social issues.

Director: Roland Uruci 

Producers: 90 Production, Julian Biba 

Duration: 20 minutes

Fleeing the chaos and unrest, a group of Albanians cross the Southern border with Greece and end up in the (merciless) hands of the Greek patrol unit.

Born in the former Yugoslavia in the Albanian town of Diber in the Republic of Macedonia. Arrived in the US in February 1969. Family settled in Brooklyn, New York and has stayed in the NYC area ever since. Started acting at 30 years old in a sketch comedy group with the original name of Ground Zero in NYC. After the tragic day of 9/11 the name of the group was changed to Bathing with Toasters. As with all things the group came to end after roughly 7 years together and dozens of sketches.

Director: Erald Kraja 

Producer: Elvir Ali 

Duration: 15 minutes

Mikpritja explores the theme of forgiveness as a man comes to New York seeking to avenge his family and gets an invite by the very person he intended to take 

Erald Kraja, a photographer and filmmaker born and raised in Shkodër, Albania, now resides in the city of New York. His artistic journey commenced at a young age with a fascination for visual arts, initially expressed through drawings and paintings, evolving seamlessly into a diverse exploration of photography and later on, filmmaking. This diverse background deeply informs his current cinematic endeavors.  Erald's creative essence lies in seamlessly blending traditional motifs with modern and contemporary settings, crafting narratives that resonate with cultural richness while simultaneously celebrating timeless values.

Director: Herion Mustafaraj 

Producer: Herion Mustafaraj 

Duration: 20 minutes

An Albanian farmer is seeking immortality by a photograph. He is in for a surprise that could cost him his life. 

Herion Mustafaraj is born in Albania. He has started acting since the age of six. He has starred as a child actor in many International Award Wining Movies from "Kinostudio Shqiperia e Re" in Albania. A few to be mentioned like "Beni walk on his own" , " Tomka and his Friends". Herion has made also a carrier in theater and movies as an actor, screenwriter between USA and Albania. He has created and appeared in many Albanian TV shows and movies, films like " LOve"" Cash Only" , " Killerman".
" Bird Poop" is the film that gives him credits as a co-writer, Co- Producer and Lead Actor.
"The Shot" , is his first short film where he doesn't also act himself. He has seen the light at the end of the tunnel by being a filmmaker.

Director: Bekim Guri 

Producer: Ilir Hasanaj 

Duration: 20 minutes

A couple who is trying to conceive bring to surface husband’s hesitation for fertility testing.

Director/ Screenwriter.

Bekim Guri (born 18 July 1985) is a Kosovo-born film director, screenwriter and producer. He is best known for his critically acclaimed films such as A Blind Man (2013), The Burden of the Father (2016) and The Promised Land (2017).

Guri was born in Kosovo in 1985. He attended local film schools and studied film directing at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo. After graduating, he worked as an assistant director and editor on various projects, including the award-winning feature film The Return of the White Eagle (2006).

Guri made his feature-length directorial debut in 2013 with A Blind Man, a drama about a man who loses his sight in a tragic accident. The film was well-received by critics and won several awards, including the Best Feature Film award at the Kosovo International Film Festival.

Guri followed up his debut with The Burden of the Father (2016). The film tells the story of a young man returning to his village after a long absence to find it in disarray. It was nominated for Best Feature Film at the Kosovo International Film Festival and won the Best Balkan Film award at the International Cinephile Society Awards.

In 2017, Guri directed The Promised Land, a film about a young man who moves to a remote mountain village in search of a better life. The film premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival and won the Best Feature Film award at the International Cinephile Society Awards.

Guri's latest film is the psychological drama The Visitor (2020). The film tells the story of a man who is haunted by a mysterious figure and is forced to confront his own demons in order to save himself.

Guri has also produced a number of short films and documentaries, including the award-winning short film The Journey (2015).

Guri has established himself as one of the most promising filmmakers from the Balkans. His films have been praised for their unique visual style and thoughtful storytelling. Guri continues to push the boundaries of film and is currently working on his next project.

Director: Ledjo Lako 

Producer: University of Arts 

Duration: 15 minutes

The life and sacrifices of immigrant sailors in the seas of Albania.

Ledio Lako was born in Tirana on April 6, 1981, but he is originally from Korça, and he grew up in a neighborhood known as "puro tironse." He is a well-known Albanian actor, known for his roles in films and comedies. He has acted in over 50 movies and comedy sketches. Additionally, he has done voice dubbing for numerous animated films and others. Since 2005, he has also been a part of "Portokalli," playing various roles.

Director: Mirak Zymberaj 

Producer: Mentor Zymberaj, Mirak Zymberaj 

Duration: 15 minutes

A lonely man living on top of a hill finds himself under the ruins of an earthquake - an ominous sign for what is to come.

Mirak Zymberaj is known for Thirrja - The Call (2024) and Sofra e varrit (2022)..