Maps talk 1 - Cinema: Tradition and Rediscoveries
The talk “Cinema: Tradition and Rediscoveries,” held on Tuesday, December 5, by renowned journalist Elsa Demo, film director, Joni Shanaj, and producer, Enea Gramo, marked a significant moment for the ARTNEXUS implementation in Albania, as for the contemporary cinematic discourse. The event, echoing Susan Sontag's sentiments on the rebirth of cinema, brought to light vital discussions on the future of this art form in Albania.
Journalist Elsa Demo, drawing from her recent research ‘A Listless Cinematic Culture (and a Short Walk with My Niece)’—a part of the “Maps” series published on the ARCA website for the ARTNEXUS project implemented by UNAA—highlighted key insights and findings. Her work sheds light on the disconnection between public policies and audience engagement in Albanian cinema, as well as the deterioration of the existing infrastructure. This gap, as Demo articulates, reflects a broader issue within the cultural landscape, where audience needs and preferences are often overlooked in policy-making.
Producer Joni Shanaj addressed the economic hurdles faced by new independent filmmakers, emphasizing the difficulties in securing funding and support in an industry dominated by personal connections. His insights painted a picture of the struggles and resilience of upcoming kineasts in Albania, who strive to tell compelling and real stories despite financial constraints.
Enea Gramo, another esteemed producer, critiqued the National Center of Cinematography's inadequate efforts in promoting Albanian films. He drew a line among commercial films and artistic ones and pointed out the lack of a robust promotional strategy, highlighting the complexities in the relationships between producers and distributors. These issues, Gramo argued, significantly limit the reach and impact of Albanian cinema both domestically and regionally.
The talk also unveiled unedited statistics, showing a stark decline in the viewership of publicly funded Albanian films from 2019 to 2022. This decline signals an urgent need to reevaluate the industry's approach to filmmaking and distribution.
Concluding on a hopeful note, the event called for a revitalization of education in cinema and a comprehensive approach to addressing the systemic issues hampering its growth and accessibility. The audience, comprising cinema professionals and enthusiasts, responded positively, engaging in conversations that extended beyond the talk. They discussed the broader implications of public policies in the realms of art and culture, highlighting the significance of this event as a catalyst for change and progress in the Albanian cinematic landscape.
This talk was the first of a series based on commissioned articles.
Photos by Abi Shehu
