By Elmira Babamusta/
Producer and writer Julian Biba explores race relations and social issues in his films. Born in Albania he moved to United States in 2000. Having a background in karate, military education and police training it was only natural that Julian fell in love with action films. His big project was screen writer for “Leap of Faith”.
“Leap of Faith” was a game changer for the way I write and think about writing. It is designed for a big budget film, which makes it in the same time the strong and the weak point of the project.” said writer, producer Julian Biba.
Julian collaborated with writer, director Roland Uruci for the short film “Paftuar” (Uninvited), which he co-wrote, and served as Assistant Producer and Stunt Coordinator.
“This film is based on true events where I happen to be an eyewitness and it is a drama about human rights violations by Greek border patrol units against Albanian illegal emigrants. We wish to have the funds at some point, so we can film the full feature version of the script to tell the whole story.”
“I had the pleasure and honor to work with director Roland Uruci; director of photography Albert Elmazovski;, two actors that I grew up watching on television Todi Llupi and Karafil Shena; the actor/director Laert Vasili; the amazing producers Tefta Bejko and Bujar Alimani; and actors Artan Telqiu, Albi Dhima, Armando Dauti, Griseld Kapllanaj, Sabrina Alimani, Galip Cobaj, Ervin Kendella.”
Since “Paftuar” Julian has taken a few acting classes with actor/director Ron Millkie and has written several scripts, many of which are based on real life stories.
“Two of the full features are again based on true events that I have participated in. “The Bright Future” is somehow a follow up of “Paftuar” but now the main story happens in Athens, Greece. “Trust” is based on events happening during a massive armed rebellion in Albania on 1997. Then there is “Leap of Faith” which is my first fiction script and it is about the drama of a Syrian woman that loses her family. The short films are a mixture of true events and fiction.”
Julian took an intensive course with “ScreenwritingU” Professional Screenwriting Program. During the 8 months of the course he completed his script “Leap of Faith” featured on “Inktip” magazine for consideration of several production companies.
Besides producing and writing, he was an extra in “The Americans” and was featured in the documentaries role Al Capone “Mysteries At the Museum” travel channel.
“I love the show “The Americans” and had a great experience watching first hand a production of that level. The Al Capone and 19th century detective were documentaries where we had to improvise and I really enjoyed it.”
“During the New York Albanian Film Week of producer Mrika Krasniqi I had the chance to have constructive conversations with directors like Iris Elezi and Fatmir Koci while was asked by the Kosovar director Sabri Pajaziti to act on his short film “A Tough Time in NY” next to a very talented actor Julian Gjaci. This was a very pleasant experience and I enjoyed every moment of it.”
Julian Biba is currently working on developing the Jewish story during World War in Albania. He says that the script is in progress and it explores “one of the most precious values of Albanians, ‘BESA’, the promise that a traditional Albanian would prefer dying rather than breaking”. He is planning to organize more screenings in New York, Washington DC and Massachusetts for the “Paftuar” short film, with the objective to produce the full feature of the short.
Pop Rock Star Matteo Brento debuts new hit single “Tra Le Pagine”
By Elmira BABAMUSTA/
Matteo Brento achieved widespread success after his debut in the biggest talent contest, X Factor Albania in 2015. Then he followed up with the similarly popular hit single on VEVO “Tra Le Pagine” produced by Sebastian Production.
Born in Italy in 1988, Matteo Brento lives in in his home town Monte Sant’Angelo and considers Tirana his second home. Since he was a little boy Matteo was passionate about music, listening and singing along to his father’s music collection.
“The first song that I sang in public is “Meraviglioso” di Domenico Modugno. I was eleven years old, everyone was surprised to see me sing. Since then, I have not stopped doing it,” said singer Matteo Brento.
Matteo Brento began his singing career at age thirteen playing with his music band in Italy. By age sixteen he was performing and competing in singing competitions, meeting Italian stars like Katia Ricciarelli and Marco Masini. His breakthrough came with the appearance on the X Factor Albania show mentored by celebrity superstar Bleona, earning him the famous reputation in the best Top 6. “Mos Qaj“, “Insieme a te sto bene“, “Je Ti” “A Te” and “E penso a te” were undoubtedly X Factor’s favorite performances. After the great success in X Factor Matteo continued to perform in Italy.
“My greatest experience has been X Factor Albania. It gave me the opportunity to perform on a big and important stage and be in front of real music experts. My coach was the singer Bleona, and I have a special memory of her. But I can say that every judge taught me something valuable. A song that I particularly liked, and that I think was also the most beloved by the public, is “Mos qaj” (Don’t cry), which I sang in the Albanian language. This song always makes me feel great emotions. I really like to sing in Albanian.”
“I can never forget the memorable moments singing live performances with my band in the past and also taking part in music competitions where I met big Italian artists like Katia Ricciarelli and Marco Masini. I have a lot of love for Italian songwriters such as Lucio Battisti, Lucio Dalla, Fabrizio De Andrè. And I also have some influences from pop rock/electro pop such as Subsonica, Negramaro, Aerosmith, Muse and Bluvertigo,” Matteo added.
On October 15, 2015 Matteo Brento released his first hit single “Tra Le Pagine” on VEVO. “Tra Le Pagine” is a Pop/Rock song written by Alessandro Di Lascia, produced by Sebastian Production. (Tra Le Pagine Videoclip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_7tn_eSrbg&feature=youtu.be )
“I am very happy that my first single “Tra Le Pagine” is on VEVO YouTube channel. The song was recorded in Tirana and the music video was done on Divjake’s beach, with the collaboration of Sebastian Production. It was written by Alessandro Di Lascia, who has been able to encapsulate my feelings in simple but effective words. I am also writing some lyrics but I am still working on it,” said the talented singer Matteo Brento.
Matteo Brento is an incredible artist, whose music moves you deeply. His fans from around the world have embraced his music and his success. He hopes to perform a concert in Tirana soon.
“I’m working on a new project, particularly I’m focusing on a new Albanian song, for which I care so much. My last performances were locally in Italy, but my dream is to soon have a concert in Tirana and to meet all my fans,” said Matteo Brento.