Cinema as Integrity
Dear friends of cinema,
Esteemed filmmakers, artists, critics, students, citizens of Tirana, and international guests,
Welcome to the 12th Edition of the DEA OPEN AIR International Film Festival – Tirana 2025!
It is a true honor and distinct pleasure for me, as the director of this festival, to officially open an event that, for twelve years now, has remained faithful to its mission: to promote cinema with substance, passion, and integrity.
The motto of this edition – “Cinema as Integrity” – is not an abstract statement. It is both an approach and a necessity in the times we live in.
In a world where noise often drowns out value, where speed replaces reflection, and where surface overshadows substance, we choose to support and showcase cinema that speaks to the human being, to their truth, and to the courage of saying what must be said – not just what sells fastest.
This year’s program is as rich as it is diverse – from student films crafted by emerging talents, to short films with bold stories and elliptical cinematic language, to full-length feature films offering deep aesthetic and emotional journeys.
Over the next five days, we are proud to present films from 20 countries around the world – Diversity is our strength.
Today, DEA OPEN AIR is more than a festival. It is a platform – a space for dialogue, inspiration, and international collaboration.
Let us enjoy this week of cinema together, with open minds and artistic curiosity.
Let us follow the visions and convictions of the artists and join them on their path of integrity.
I wish you a festival filled with mastery, artistry, emotion, and reflection!