Dielli | The Sun

Albanian American Newspaper Devoted to the Intellectual and Cultural Advancement of the Albanians in America | Since 1909

Interview with Photographer Liridona Gjokaj

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By Nora Kalaja/

Tell us a little about yourself.Where did you grow up?/

LiridonaGjokaj:I grew up in Montenegro, Tuzi and I was always passionate about photography, I remember I had my first film camera back in 1998 and I still have pictures that I took back in the days. As I grew up my passion for photography grew more and more. I had my first photographs exhibited at Times Square- digital exhibition in 2012, at Art Scope Miami in 2014, and a digital exhibition at Museum of Louvre in Paris 2015, and at the Beauty and Fashion gallery exhibition in New York 2018, and online international exhibition “Don’t Take Pictures” 2020.

It was an honor to be published at:“The Still Life Collection”, TheBeauty of Humanity – “A Select Collection of Work”. As well as be awarded “Photographer of the year” at the 8th International Filmmaker Festival of New York, 2019.

Also, my pictures were awarded for a photography-sharing community/ photo contest, CelebrityAward, Community Choice Award, Editor’s Choice, Beauty Photography Award, etc.

And then you landed in New York?

LiridonaGjokaj:At first for me everything was different and of course every beginning has its difficulties.  But over time and with lots of effort, a person gets adapted especially in a place like NY, a place that gives you possibilities and accepts everyone who strives to achieve something.

I moved in New York a few years ago and I knew a little bit about fashion photography, but it seemed to me that there was this huge hub of creative energy peaking at a certain time of the year and I wanted to be a part of it. So, I decided to try my hands-eyes at being a catwalk photographer. Each fall and spring, New York hosts Fashion Week, and my first season I spent as much energy getting into the shows as actually shooting them. It wasn’t that easy as I thought but I worked a lot on that, and I got the chance to get into the shows and now I’m part of the New York fashion week every season.

What do you consider your first break in the industry?

LiridonaGjokaj:In September 2018 it was my first time attending a fashion week as a runway photographer.

The first time I attended the fashion week, I had 15 shows to shoot that day. I shot every show back to back at Spring Studios, and that was the beginning of my fashion photography career and first break in that industry. 

In your idea, what makes a good photograph?

LiridonaGjokaj:Despite the talent, what leads you forward is the concentration (consideration) & dedication and technicalities that go with the profession as a photographer. When you combine: talent and work/study then you manage to create a unique style and a good photograph.

Are there any new exciting projects that you are working on or have coming up in the near future?

LiridonaGjokaj:Since my focus is fashion photography, I am working on some fashion editorial projects at the moment. And also, I’m working on a very special fashion project that will be published very soon.

What is the gear you have used in the past and present?

LiridonaGjokaj:When it comes to gear, I believe that to be irrelevant! In an artist’s repertoire gear is the least important thing. For me I try to stay up to date with the latest camera, but often the newest technology is not necessarily the best one. Currently I use Canon prime cameras & lenses. In runway photography zoom lenses are a must. I currently use the L series from Canon. A 24-70mm, 70-200mm, and of course the 100-400mm.

Besides photography, what else do you enjoy?

LiridonaGjokaj:Besides photography I like to read, explore new places, I like to go to the opera, and of course spend time with my family and friends. Visiting museums is also one of my favorite things to do in my free time.

Can you tell us about a memorable moment you had during your artistic career?

LiridonaGjokaj:There are a lot of memorable moments in my 10y artistic career, but I would say, one of the most memorable moments, was when I had my picture exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris. That was a special moment for me!

What has been your biggest accomplishment?

LiridonaGjokaj:I’ve been photographing NYFW for the 4th season now and I can say that the biggest accomplishment in my runway photography till now is being part of 15 accepted runway photographers for two of my favorite and well-known designers; Brandon Maxwell and Tory Burch.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

LiridonaGjokaj:It’s all about passion!When you truly want something, you must go after it and try to make it happen.“Look back and say – ‘I can’t believe I did that’ instead of ‘I wish I did that’.”

The Inspiration behind the “The Shape of the Shadow” project…

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Interview with Blerti Murataj: The Inspiration behind the “The Shape of the Shadow” project

By Nora Kalaja/

Well-known artist, colorist, and editor Blerti Murataj has created his own community space for artists, filmmakers, and musicians who are empowered and inspired by his creative vision. His art encourages the development of our inner sight and gives us a deeper appreciation for the world.

Blerti Murataj’s current art project is inspired by the game of absence, in this case, of the light, in a given urban and social environment. While the working title of the project is “the shape of the shadow”, its concept is a reflection of his innovative imagination that offers beauty in color and black and white.  

Blerti Murataj graduated from Art Academy in Tirana, in the department of Visual Arts in 1999. He continued his studies for Master of Fine Arts in Photography, Video and Related Media at the well known School of Visual Art (SVA) in NYC but dropped out of program in 2001 to pursue his professional dream. He has been living and working in New York City since 2000.

Blerti Murataj’s notable color grading works include: “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” of Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah’s “Master Class” series for OWN, “Bon Jovi: When we were beautiful” for ShowTime and Tribeca Film Festival, “Lady Gaga: Inside of the Outside” for MTV, and a list of commercial work for Nike, Verizon, McDonald, Honda, IBM, Sony, Grey Goose Vodka, just to name a few. Many of the projects he has worked on have received awards such as Emmy Award, The Clios, TED’s Ads Worth Spreading, NASA Honor Award etc., have aired in major US networks and have been part of official selection in film festivals throughout the United States.

In 2007 Blerti Murataj founded his own successful company “edit4 Inc.” dedicated to production, post-production, photography and design. (www.editfour.com)

Can you tell us a little bit about your career? How did you start your journey on this career path?

Blerti Murataj: Answering this question can take me forever to describe all my wonderful experiences. Many memories flow in my mind for each turn of the story in my life. Moving forward to film and video post-production, and lately color grading and finishing via edit4 Inc., my company, is for sure result of unavoidable desire to create and have that personal space, and the right team, to exercise it. 

Starting with production and then focusing more into editing the clips into a story and then applying finishing touches, developing the color palette like in paining, that is briefly my path.

What is most rewarding about what you do?

Blerti Murataj: It is working on projects that absorb you, traveling with them into areas of knowledge unknown before. For me this is a real treat. Also having the opportunity of viewing of what might be the highest quality of that artistic creation.

As a color grading artist or editor, which one of your previous projects do you consider your best work and why?

Blerti Murataj: Each project I have worked on has had its own challenges, concerning artistic expression or technical solutions, in terms of implementing pioneering technologies for the time of their production. Be it documentaries about Maya Angelou or Lady Gaga, journeying through American War of Independence or present-day America with comedians that make you think, visually tasting Grey Goose Vodka or fluid dancing of Honda robots, listening to “Living on the Prayer” in a surround sound or witnessing artists develop Tiffany unique masterpieces.

Can you tell us more about your involvement with the visual art projects?

Blerti Murataj: Sure. My education background is in visual arts. So, it is more than just involvement. It is a way I experience life.  Although I have to add that my work schedule has taken a toll in my creative process, not allowing me allocating more time on art projects. Therefore, many of the art projects I’ve worked on in the recent years, I feel, are more like archeological remains of a bigger work or vision.

What inspired the “The Shape of the Shadow” project concept?

Blerti Murataj: I would say it is the city of New York. The way the absence of light plays with architecture, urban environment and people. How invisible info, in a photo image for example, unlit part of it, not well defined, can alter the identity of the reality itself. It brings forth moments you can see stories developing in front of you. For this project I’ve mainly employed photography techniques.

What are your goals for the future?

Blerti Murataj: Firstly, my main desire is to make right the time allocation issue, providing more time for my visual art projects. Secondly, I hope that I can develop them to a point I, first of all, feel fulfilled or satisfied, which is a hard thing to do.

An Interview with Award-Winning Director and Writer Julian Biba, Director of New York True Venture Film Festival

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By Nora Kalaja/

Julian Biba is the director of the documentary “Aka Dr. Hope” awarded: “Best Experimental”, “Best Documentary” and “Best Director” by TINFF; “Best Documentary” by MIWAFF and “Silver Winner” by Telly Awards.

He is the screenwriter, director and producer of  “The Red Rose” awarded: “Rising Filmmaker” by Montreal International Wreath Awards Film Festival; “Award of Recognition” by United International Film Festival and “Best NY Short” by International New York Film Festival.

Julian has co-written and co-produced the film “Paftuar” (Uninvited) that was screened on May 2016 at Cannes Festival Short Corner and also won “Best Cinematography” and “Best Production” awards at International Film Festival and Albanian Film Week in NYC.

Julian’s feature script “The Bright Future” was picked as 10 best scripts at the AlbaScript workshop organized in Pogradec, Albania by Cineuropa and Albanian National Cinematography Center.

Julian’s other feature script “Leap of Faith” was quarter-finalist at National Screenwriters Day Screenwriting Competition and 2018 Gold Reel Award Winners in Nevada Film Festival.

His short comedy script “Balkan Brothers” was the Official Selection of Oaxaca FilmFest 2017 while in March 2016 Julian Directed and Produced a music video for an Italian pop singer.

Julian has completed a few full features and short scripts while keeps on writing. In the meantime, he is experiencing a bit of an acting career in short films, TV series and documentaries like: “Mystery at the museum”, “Tough Day in NY”, “Hope of escape”, etc.

In August 2018 Julian graduated from the “Master Screenwriter Certificate Program” with ScreenwritingU.

At the age of 14, Julian went to military school and later on to Police Academy. He has been involved in Albanian police special operations and has worked as a bodyguard for politicians and people of arts from 1996 to 2012. Telling some unique life stories induced his friends to convince him to write a few of them.

What role have film festivals played in your life so far?

Julian Biba: The film festivals have been a great experience that enables the connection with other filmmakers and appreciation of their work. These connections often bring future cooperations that would give birth to new projects. A good festival creates a positive environment that makes filmmakers eager to participate with their films and personally as well.

Why are they necessary?

Julian Biba: The festivals are a necessity for filmmakers that want to show their work to a particular audience. The distribution of the films, especially short films, is too difficult, so the film festival remains the main solution for most filmmakers to introduce their work to the international audiences.

How do you get the most out of them?

Julian Biba: The film you present to a festival is basically the business card of the filmmaker. Once introduced, the filmmaker would be able to connect to other likeminded people, being directors, writers, producers, actors etc.

Tell us what inspired the New York True Venture Film Festival?

Julian Biba: I wanted to project that good vibe I received at some very positive festivals, where the filmmakers feel honestly welcomed. Providing this hospitality in New York has been a wish I have had for a long time. 

How would you characterize the identity of NYTVFF? 

Julian Biba: Film loving event open to all filmmakers with the opportunity of screening their films in New York City and connect with other likeminded filmmakers.

Audiences in general are playing a bigger role because they are more vocal in good ways and bad ways. How do you engage them in a conversation? 

Julian Biba: The constructive criticism of the audience is the best thing a film festival can wish for. That’s how you make sure you take care of things in the proper way. There is no such thing as perfect festival or anything for that matter, but honestly trying to make the festival a great experience for filmmaker and all the audience, should be the most important goal of the organizers, I think.

We will have film screenings for two days, where after each film the audience can communicate with the filmmakers during the Q&A sessions, and then the awards night that we have projected as a pleasant show for all audiences.

How did Covid affect the festival program this year? 

Julian Biba: We had booked a nice venue for our 2020 Edition where other than the awards would be displayed a show with songs and dances that the audience would have loved. Unfortunately, Covid19 made this impossible. Although, we had a great online show with trailers, posters, and announcements that was followed live by many people via Facebook and YouTube.

Our 2021 Edition we hope and believe would be live and pleasant event. 

What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your film?

Julian Biba: I believe the best one was that of humbleness.

How did that lesson happen?

Julian Biba: During my first involvement in the industry, I was the co-writer and co-producer of a short film we went to shot in Albania. After finishing his scene, a 70 year old well-known actor asked me “How did I do?” I responded: “I grew up watching you on TV and film; how can I judge your acting?” and he answered seriously “This is the story you wrote and you have been eyewitness to. Only you can tell me how close is my acting to the reality that you lived!”

For me this was great lesson on humility from a veteran of this profession. 

What scripts that you have written would you like to highlight?

Julian Biba: I keep writing although other obligations and working for the festival has been very time-consuming. I have finished a few full feature scripts like: “Leap of Faith”, “Hope Dies Last”, “Trust”, “Safe Ground” and I’m working on finishing soon two more. 

The Red Rose film got a lot of attention and won many awards. Can you tell us about the storyline and the lead actors of the film? 

Julian Biba: This is in general the story line of the film: “A dream in common leads a man with PTSD to save a politician’s life, whose enemies are too close for comfort.”

None of the people who acted in that film were professional actors, but they did their best and we had finally a film to submit to festivals. The awards we have received with that film are a great inspiration to continue working harder and raise the bar on our future projects.

What are some of the other film projects you have been involved in? 

Julian Biba: I was lucky and honored that Dr. Onik asked me to write and direct a documentary on his fantastic work on curing (especially) prostate cancer. This documentary has been received exceptionally well being awarded about 9 awards by several international film festivals.

Another short film we started submitting recently to festivals is “Departure” which was Semi-Finalist at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival; an Academy Award ® Qualifying festival. This film has been 3 times finalist and 2 times winner so far in film festivals all over the world.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to have a life creating film?

Julian Biba: If you have a story to tell just write it down then find the people who believe in you and make this dream a reality. About this time you should have a pretty good idea if you want to continue doing this or listen to the negative voices around you that want to stop your progress. 

You see, I have been told a lot to stop doing what I do and if I would have listen to them, I would have felt sorry by now for my mistake. The negative energy people would try anything to stop you, but that’s a battle worth fighting. So, just follow your dream!

What’s next for you?

Julian Biba: I’m quite focused on our festival’s 2021 Edition while keep on writing. One of the scripts that started as a short comedy, I have it extended to a feature length and hope to be realized next year.

Interview with Notable Writer and Director Andamion Murataj …

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By Nora Kalaja/

Andamion Murataj is a prominent film writer and director, whose films have entertained, thrilled and enlightened for the past decade many movie fans in Europe and United States. He is considered as one of the brilliant filmmakers who is leading the way in the art of cinema. A mastermind with uncompromising cinematic vision and compelling storytelling. 

Andamion Murataj received The Silver Bear for the Best Screenplay at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival (2011) for the feature film “The Forgiveness of Blood” shared with Joshua Marston. His movies exert a powerful influence on mainstream cinema, that sparks intellectual dialogue about film-history and cinematography. 

Andamion Murataj is a founder and director of Balkan Film Market and Albascript Workshops. He is also a member of international jury in many festivals across Europe. 

Andamion holds an MFA in Film and Electronic Media from American University in Washington DC. 

(GERMANY OUT) Preisträger Joshua Marston (li.) und Adamion Murataj mit dem Silbernen Bären (Bestes Drehbuch) für den Film -THE FORGIVENESS OF BLOOD- beim RadioEins Berlinale Nighttalk am Rande der 61. Internationalen Filmfestspiele in Berlin (Photo by snapshot-photography/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Are you working on anything new?

Andamion Murataj: When I come to think of it, everything I am working at the moment it is naturally “new”. There are not only new stories or new projects that I am involve or trying to develop, but also are new angles or/and new takes, even on certain shelfed project that sometimes I happen to return and undust them. Times change, we change, hence new ideas and perspectives on certain things sometime happen to force us to get back to old projects changes and figure out new approaches.

What other projects do you have coming up?

Andamion Murataj: There are a few things piled up on top of the projects that couldn’t happen because of Covid. So as everywhere else, despite the lack of funding, 2021 is expected to have a boom of projects that are ripped for production. And, on top of those, there are also a certain stories and characters inspired from recent events, that I am developing right now, that will keep me busy for some time.   

From a storytelling perspective, has that advancement in technology resulted in better movies?

Andamion Murataj: Generally speaking, the advancement in anything, naturally has an impact and ultimately pushes everything forward, although the impact some time is not immediate. I believe there is a period of confusion, as it is of incubation and maturation. For one thing the technological advancement not only have tremendously democratized the media by giving the opportunity to express themselves on the palm of the hand to millions of content creators, but also have facilitated the tools and process of achieving great things with minimal effort. Still, so far these are not enough to result in better storytelling. Having said that I believe that eventually in the near future the development on the field of Artificial Intelligence will most likely revolutionize storytelling at its core and will have a tremendous impact in creativity as well as consuming of content.

What’s the mark of a good story for you?

Andamion Murataj: A good story moves you. It does not always please you, but it most definitely disturbs your peace, compelling you to react emotionally and rationally in more than one way.

What is your recipe when writing your movie characters?

Andamion Murataj: It would have been nice to have one that we all can follow, but unfortunately there are no such recipes, as there is no recipe on how to paint a good painting or a line of music… Often it takes the painstaking work of a surgeon to go under the skin of the character and let him be and reveal himself. Easier said than done!

What are some of your recent film projects?

Andamion Murataj: There are a handful projects that I am involved at the moment in various stages of development. One of these, “Man of the House” is in the advanced stage funding competition and hopefully going into production this year, and some other projects are on the earlier stages. It remains to be seen in which one of these I will be working for the long haul.

What does success look like to you these days?

Andamion Murataj: Well, I wouldn’t know that. I can only assume that for as long as you get to do what you love and love what you do, you are well on the path of living a pretty successful life, in a very personal sense. As with every path, there are ups and downs, twists and turns, but despite the troubles, if you still have the guts to keep the course, I think you are pretty set.

Has Covid-19 changed your plans in filmmaking this year? Has that been challenging for you?

Andamion Murataj: It would be interesting to find someone in the film business (or elsewhere for that matter) that can heartedly say that pandemic did not affect his plans. Film, being first and foremost a collective undertaking, depending in many, many, external factors is probably hit the hardest. The abrupt interruption of traditional theatrical releases, combined with the boom of online content platforms, is causing a “perfect storm” in transforming the film business as we know it. But, in the end of the day, telling stories will survive the changing nature of the business, and despite of the formats of the future, we will always need arts being painting music, films and literature… So, better than trying to figure out how to outsmart the currents, I would rather keep doing what I feel doing and try to do it best way I can.

What role have film festivals played in your life so far? How do you get the most out of them?

Andamion Murataj: After making a good film, opening to a good festival is of prime importance for the independent cinema. Attending a good festival doesn’t make your film better, but not attending, it surely makes it much harder to breakthrough. This is all more crucial for films coming from low output countries and especially critical for films in the languages that are not broadly spoken.

Nowadays festivals are for most part are attached to some sort of a film market and there is nothing better for publicity, sales and expanding network of collaborators. Festivals are not just the place for competition and accolades, but rather an awesome opportunity for launching new potential partnerships. 

What tips would you give to beginner filmmakers? 

Andamion Murataj: By now film world have seen about everything imaginable and this is discouraging. The only thing they have seen yet is YOU. And there is hope, so, find your voice and sound loud and clear. It might take time and work, but eventually you are not gonna be screaming in the desert… More than some “hope”, the odds are real that if you really find your voice and really have something to state, you will be heard. 

What does the future of film look like?

Andamion Murataj: The future feels pretty much like the past. In past twenty years the business has changed so rapidly, and is only propelling forward… Whatever looks advanced nowadays, it will be pretty obsolete in next twenty years. My first digital camera investment is no match for the quality of the camera of a mediocre mobile phone today. This is a losing battle that we always belong in the ancient world. What will surpass us, are not the formats, but rather the stories of our era. We will still care for the Ulises and his journey back home for a few thousand years to come…

What are your plans for the future?

Andamion Murataj: Surviving the pandemic for sure, not only in good health, but most importantly in good spirit. As every major disaster, this one too, will leave its scar on us. But, in the darkest hour flourishes the greatness of human spirit, and some of among us, through sacrifices or achievements will lead the way to a better future – such vital characters can’t go by unnoticed by film literature and other works of art. I am sure such stories and characters will also leave their mark….

Interview with Film Director and Producer Berat Asani

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Interviewed By Nora Kalaja /

When was your debut as a film director? Can you tell us more about your debut film? 

Berat Asani: The first artistic film I made as a director, is the film “Follower”, which has been made on my studying period at the academy of arts during my first year of study. I consider it as the first film, since in this film I had the opportunity to work with a formed team of colleagues where for most of them it was also the debut film. The strength, sincerity and desire for work were great for each of them. It was the first time I tried myself in front of the audience and the emotions and reactions of the viewers made me fall in love with this profession and increased my desire to create more films that would create feelings and experience for a wider audience.

What is your recent film “Mother’s Love” about? 

Berat Asani: My latest movie “Mother’s Love” is about Besiana’s life which is plunged into turmoil after she discovers her son’s Bardh dark secrets, and faces a dilemma that will challenge her love and decision as a mother.

This film was realized in 2018 as a school project which was realized during my master studies at the Film Institute Ohrid Film Academy. To write this film I collaborated with another screenwriter like co-writer Cathal McCall and it is worth to mention that the film was made by an international team, as was the academy itself. I also had the great support of professional actors from Kosovo, such as as Ilire Vinca, Andi Bajgora, Anisa Ismaili and Sara Osmani, which was her debut in an art film. This film has been selected at the film festival in LA and I hope that that the festival journey continues after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tell us a bit about the other films you’ve made.

Berat Asani: In terms of other films I made as a Director, I would like to mention “Oops” and “The Unknown”, which have been successful at various international festivals. I had the opportunity to learn many things during pre and post production. 

“The Unknown” is the film with which I graduated from the University of Tetova at the Faculty of Arts as a Director with a degree in Film and TV. This film is about a young girl who falls in love with her neighbour who lives in the apartment in front of her building. She follows him through a small hand-held camera. Her family wants her to marry another boy. Everything changes after the girl ends up in the neighbour’s apartment, while her mother watches her from the small camera, where she disturbs this family’s world.

Where as with the “Oops” film I completed the first academic year for my master’s degree in FIOFA. Here I had a different experience, because it was my first film where I did not participate in the process of writing the screenplay. The screenplay was written by screenwriter Blagica Sekuloska. I made the film in Macedonian with a cast of Macedonian actors, and the work process was very special.  

“Oops” is about Nikola who is a little genius that makes experiments around home. In New Year’s Eve he learns that his parents are again going to celebrate New Year at another place, and will not be at home. Nikola feels like he must do everything to make them stay with him at home.

As a Producer, how involved in the writing of a project do you get? Are you more involved in the initial development?

Berat Asani: So far I have not been a screenwriter for someone else’s project even though I would have liked to. As a director I have a lot of respect for screenwriters. In small countries, it often happens that Producers are included in the scenario due to limited conditions and opportunities for the realization of the project.

Can you tell us about your involvement with the Tetova International Film Festival? 

Berat Asani: During the time when I decided to get acquainted with film and I was looking for the academy of arts, with a group of friends we heard that a film festival was being held in Tetovo. There we got in touch with the founder of the festival, where we were informed in more details. I expressed interest to contribute to the organizational participation in voluntary form in the first edition. Then every year I had the great desire to contribute and challenge myself in all the functions of the organizational and executive form of the festival until the board made a decision that I should be in charge of the chairman of the festival in the 7th edition (of which I continue until now). I am committed to growing the festival each year, along with contributing to cultural growth and creating a tradition for our city. 

What do you have planned for this year for the festival? 

Berat Asani: Initially, the festival has its journey and this year we are very happy to realize the 10th (jubilee) edition. Therefore, it is a more special edition, I would not have wanted to say anything about the planning, but I wish that this edition finds better opportunities to bring back to more massive numbers of audience in cinemas and less to be involved in hybrid form or online. Soon we will open the application where filmmakers will have the opportunity to apply with their films.

What do you consider as your career accomplishments? 

Berat Asani: As a career achievement so far I would have considered the success of the festival, for which achievement are enjoyed by many other members. As a filmmaker, I think the latest film “Mother’s Love” was the best film in my opinion, but I think it takes a lot of work to declare success as an Author.

How do you see your role as a filmmaker? 

Berat Asani: My role as a filmmaker is to make as many feature films as possible. I feel the necessity to tell a story, a need which is present in all human beings, but the desire to tell it in visual form is my gift and chosen way where this makes the difference. We are often in situations where through the film we want to change a perception or give a message to the audience, where often there are generalized messages or experiences which are shared and re-experienced in that certain duration to achieve a conscious awareness, uplift and culture in a higher mass. 

Therefore, I am often not sure if I will ever be able to change the world through film, but that film will change me is more than certain.

Do filmmakers have any responsibility to culture? What message do you want to convey with your films? 

Berat Asani: Undoubtedly filmmakers have a lot of responsibility for culture, as film is a very powerful tool to present ideologies, events, moral and social norms to a wide audience, which through the emotions created by the authors, achieves an impact and real experience that the audience can carry in everyday life as a personal experience. The most important part for me is the way and the feeling a film can be experienced, along with its message or the moral of the story. 

What other hobbies do you have? 

Berat Asani: One of my hobbies and passions is skateboarding which I have been practicing for 11 years now and also since we are lucky enough to have Kodra e Diellit (Sunny Hill) as a Ski Centre in Tetovo, I have also practiced Snowboarding. During the summer I do swimming and Paddle boarding. As a lifestyle hobby I practice Bodybuilding. I like hiking a lot because I like nature as a source of ideas and peace of mind.

What’s next?

Berat Asani: As I mentioned above about the festival we are working on the realization of this edition, I am also engaged in two short films as screenwriter and director where we plan to start soon in the production phase, being in a pandemic situation and I wish Covid-19 pandemic to get past and to enable normal functioning for everyone!