University of Arts – Tirana, through the Faculty of Performing Arts, organized the first edition of the International Student Film Festival in Tirana (ISFFT), which was held from April 21 to 24, 2026, and brought together students, professors, and film professionals from various countries.
The International Student Film Festival aims to promote the creativity of young people in the field of cinema, creating opportunities for collaboration, artistic exchange, and professional development. The festival’s rich program included film screenings in the categories of short film, documentary, and animation, as well as masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions with renowned professionals from the film industry.
At this culturally significant event, the University of Tetova also took part, specifically the Faculty of Arts through its study program Dramatic Art. Our university was represented by Asst. Prof. Leotrim Idrizi and MSc. Lavdrim Alili, who contributed as panelists in discussions on documentary film, as well as by two first-year students from the Film and TV Directing and Film and TV Editing programs.
The first edition of ISFFT focused on the Western Balkans, creating a shared space for academic and artistic exchange among film schools, students, and emerging creators from the region. At the same time, the festival also welcomed professionals from across Europe, expanding academic and professional networking and placing Balkan cinematography in direct dialogue with the European scene.
The participation of the University of Tetova in this festival contributes to strengthening cooperation among institutions and professionals in the field of cinematography, opening new opportunities for the exchange of experiences, artistic development, and integration into international film networks.
