Tirana launches creative hub to boost film industry

A major new initiative for Albania’s creative industries has been unveiled in the former Kinostudio area. The Tirana Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture talent in filmmaking, acting, directing, and animation. The center will cater to over 400 students annually, providing essential resources for developing Albania’s cinematic industry and reaping the economic and cultural benefits that follow.

Why is this important: The Tirana Training Center aims to become a catalyst for growth in Albania’s film and audiovisual production sectors, leveraging expertise from global industry leaders such as HBO, Netflix, and Warner Brothers. By addressing the need for skilled professionals, the center seeks to position Albania as a competitive player in the global entertainment industry while transforming its creative landscape.

Context: At the project launch, Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the transformative potential of film for shaping perceptions of a country. Rama cited a Dutch production set in Albania, which he claimed had helped challenge longstanding stereotypes about Albania as a hub for organized crime. “Ironically,” said Rama, “Holland, with its Rotterdam port—a known gateway for cocaine entering Europe—still harbored prejudices about Albania. Yet through this production, they saw the real Albania, not the false image perpetuated by stereotypes.”

Rama also noted that such productions could influence tourism, as seen in the increasing number of Dutch visitors to Albania.

Blendi Gonxhja, Albania’s Minister of Education and Youth, called the center a “catalyst for an epochal transformation” in the country’s creative industries. Gonxhja emphasized that the project will spur the development of a new branch of vocational education directly tied to film and media. “This is a crucial investment in educating and training the next generation of creative professionals to thrive in a highly competitive industry,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has also expressed strong support for the Tirana Training Center, underlining its importance as a vehicle for strengthening Albania’s creative and cultural ties internationally.

Looking ahead: The Tirana Training Center is expected to significantly stimulate Albania’s creative economy, attracting international collaborations and showcasing the country’s untapped potential. By equipping young talent with the skills and tools to compete on a global stage, the project could open the door for Albania to not only contribute to but also influence the global film industry.