Kosovo at the "Berlinale" as a film destination with the echo of rising stars

“Emerging film destination in Europe”, is the call that Kosovo makes at the European Film Market at the Berlin Film Festival, while also strengthening the offer of a 30 percent discount for foreign productions. Unlike last year, when it was also presented with a film, actress Fatlume Bunjaku is one of the successful figures in her field, being presented there as one of the ten “Shooting Stars” and Leart Rama is participating in the “Berlinale Talents”, which is considered a real catalyst for the careers of young filmmakers.

The European Film Market at the 76th edition of the “Berlinale” has already opened its doors and the Cinematographic Center of Kosovo and that of Albania, as traditionally, share a common stand. In one of the most important stages of the world film industry, Kosovo is presenting itself as a creative reality with a voice, identity and vision that is always on the rise. “Europe's Emerging Film Destination” is the motto that stands out on Kosovo's poster, alongside the 30 percent rebate for foreign productions, a seven-year policy since the end of 2024.

The CCK has assessed that participation in this event increases Kosovo's visibility at the International Film Market, which is being held from February 12 to 18.

At the Berlin International Film Festival, the country's cinematic potential is present in almost every edition. Last year, Alban Muja's film "I Believe My Portrait Saved Me" had its world premiere there. This year, although the official program does not include a narrative that comes through film, actress Fatlume Bunjaku is one of the successful figures in her field, being presented there as one of the ten "Shooting Stars" announced last December.

And this January, another cinematographic talent from Kosovo received an invitation to the prestigious event of the cinematographic world. Leart Rama is participating in the "Berlinale Talents", which is considered a real catalyst for the careers of young filmmakers.

With all the dramas that present Kosovo's film creativity, the participation of the Kosovo Film Center in the European Film Market is not simply an institutional presence. It is an ideal and unique moment to further advance and advance local cinematography. It is also a kind of cultural, artistic and strategic statement for the country.

The public relations officer at the Kosovo Cinematographic Center, Albana Nila, said that there is interest in this institution and that meetings are already taking place within the framework of the European Film Market.

"During the market, meetings are taking place with producers, production companies and potential partners. The goal is to create co-productions, attract foreign investments and strengthen professional networks. Agreements are usually finalized after the negotiation phase, but interest is present," she said in a response to KOHĪ from Berlin.

The “European Film Market” is one of the largest film markets in the world, where co-production, sales and financing agreements are established. This space is essential for the country's cinematography. It creates opportunities for Kosovo films to find strategic partners, secure international distribution and be promoted, increasing opportunities for participation in important festivals. Each year of participation in this event consolidates the country's image as a serious partner in the European audiovisual industry.

"We present Kosovar projects and films, as well as promote the potential of our audiovisual industry. Also, this year we have an important artistic presence: Kosovar actress Fatlume Bunjaku has been selected as part of the 'Shooting Stars' program, while director Leart Rama is part of the 'Berlinale Talents'", said Albana Nila.

According to her, this entire presentation within the various segments of the Berlin International Film Festival "significantly increases Kosovo's visibility in the international market."

For local film industry representatives, the market also enables them to understand new trends. Nila said that Kosovo is being presented as an attractive place for foreign filming. She noted that the market is promoting the rebate scene for foreign investors because, according to her, last year it had been successful.

"For the last two years, we have intensively promoted the rebate scheme for foreign investors, presenting Kosovo as a new and competitive destination for international productions. The scheme has resulted in concrete interest and projects over the past year, and we aim to further expand cooperation this year," she said.

The Kosovo government in November 2024 approved the Regulation on the right to rebate. Foreign companies that invest and spend directly in Kosovo for their projects are reimbursed with 30 percent of the investment value. For example, if an audiovisual company spends 1 million euros in Kosovo on a film, series, video game or advertisement, the state will refund 300 thousand euros. Last year was a test for the effects of applying the rebate in the film industry. The result published in January was that 1.6 million euros were invested in Kosovo while advertising was leading. Foreign productions had signed contracts in Kosovo for a television series, a feature film, a short film and 7 television advertisements.

The Public Relations Officer at the Kosovo Cinematographic Center, Albana Nila, described the atmosphere at the European Film Market.

"The atmosphere is very dynamic and professional. The joint stand has attracted continued interest from industry professionals, especially for new projects and for the opportunities that the region offers in terms of co-productions and filming. The presence of Kosovar talents this year has increased the attention towards us even more," she said.

The European Film Market is one of the three main meeting places for the international film and media industries. Its close ties to the Berlinale, as a public film festival, and its position at the heart of Berlin's vibrant creative economy are defining features of the film market. Described as more than just a vibrant marketplace for the trading of film and audiovisual content, it is also positioned as a platform for innovation and change. Over 10 representatives of the international film and media industries – mainly producers, buyers and sales agents, distributors and financiers – come together to network, exchange, learn and do business.

The presence of the KCC in the European Film Market is a concrete opportunity to build cooperation with producers, to secure international funding and more.

And, Kosovo's film is not unknown. In 2019, the documentary "In the Middle" directed by Samir Karahoda brought Kosovo to the official competition at the "Berlinale" for the first time, where it had its world premiere. Kosovo's name was also heard at this Festival through Visar Morina's films, "Exil" and "Father", while actors Ilire Vinca and Çun Lajçi were the first from Kosovo to walk the red carpet at the "Berlinale" in February 2011. The film in which they starred, "Forgiveness of Blood" directed by Joshua Martson, who also wrote the screenplay with Andamion Murataj, took them there.

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