Jury 2025

Niccolo Castelli – Head of the Jury

Born in 1982 in Lugano (Switzerland), he has been passionate about music, sound, and images from an early age. Since 1998, he has collaborated with Swiss national radio broadcaster RSI. He graduated in 2005 from DAMS Bologna – Faculty of Arts and Philosophy – and joined ipotesICinema, founded by Ermanno Olmi. In 2008, he earned a Master’s degree in Film Direction and Editing from the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). His debut feature, Tutti Giù – Everybody Sometimes Falls (2012), premiered at the Locarno Film Festival. After a screenwriting specialization in Munich (Drehbuchwerkstatt München, 2014), he expanded his work as a director of documentaries, reportages, films, and screenplays. Alongside filmmaking, he remains active in multiple cultural fields. His second feature, Atlas (2021), opened the Solothurn Film Festival – Switzerland’s leading national film event – and was selected for several international festivals, including the 74th Locarno Film Festival. Since 2021, he has been Director of the Ticino Film Commission, and as of 2023, Artistic Director of the Solothurn Film Festival.

Luiza Xhuvani – Member of the Jury

Luiza Xhuvani is a distinguished Albanian actress, born on March 26, 1964, in Sarandë. Her artistic career features significant roles in acclaimed Albanian films such as Slogans (2001), Words Without End (Fjalë pa fund, 1986), and Circle of Memory (Rrethi i kujtesës, 1987). She gained particular recognition for her performance in Butterfly in My Cabin (Flutura në kabinën time), for which she was awarded “Best Actress” at the Film Festival. Xhuvani began her theater career at the Sarandë Variety Theater, later joining the National Theatre in Tirana, where she has portrayed numerous memorable roles. Her filmography also includes My Lake and And a Day Comes (Dhe vjen një ditë), further solidifying her status as one of the leading figures in Albanian dramatic arts.

Claudio Bucci – Member of the Jury

Claudio Bucci is a prominent figure in the Italian film industry, known for his long-standing contributions to film production and international collaboration. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Thalia Film S.r.l. and Creative Director of Blue Film S.r.l. His career includes leading STEMO Production S.r.l. from 2006 to 2020, a production and distribution company specializing in international co-productions, particularly with countries in the European Union, as well as Canada and the United States. During this period, Bucci facilitated numerous cross-border projects that helped strengthen Italy’s presence in the global film market. He later served as the Sole Administrator of TOED Film S.r.l. (2018–2022). From 2020 to 2022, he was President of Confartigianato Lazio Audiovisivo, where he worked to support independent producers and enhance the regional film ecosystem. Bucci has played a key role in the development of the audiovisual sector in the Lazio region, consistently fostering international collaboration and contributing to the visibility of Italian cinema on the world stage.

Fatos Berisha – Member of the Jury

Fatos Berisha is a film, theatre, and television director educated at the Faculty of Arts, University of Prishtina. He also attended professional courses in the UK, including the Royal Court Theatre in 2000 and the National Film and Television School in 2002. He is the co-founder and director of PriFest – Prishtina International Film Festival, a major platform for international and regional cinema. From 2011 to 2014, he led the Kosovo Cinematography Center, supporting the local film industry and raising Kosovo’s profile internationally. Berisha is a member of both the European Film Academy and the European Cultural Parliament, reflecting his commitment to European cinema and cultural dialogue. His creative work and institutional leadership have made him a key figure in Kosovo’s cultural development and a respected voice in the wider European arts community.

Nikos Moustakas – Member of the Jury

Nikos Moustakas is a Greek film producer and the founder of the production company Bad Crowd. With a long-standing presence in the European film scene, he is best known for the acclaimed films Kerr (2021), O ektos fonos (1986), and Sideway (2017). His work spans a wide range of genres and formats, including feature films, documentaries, and experimental cinema. Moustakas has produced numerous projects, many of which have been international co-productions with countries such as Turkey, France, and other European partners. His ability to build cross-border collaborations has played a key role in elevating the visibility of independent cinema across diverse markets. One of his most notable productions, I’m Not Him, received awards at several major international film festivals, earning critical recognition for its originality and depth. Throughout his career, Nikos Moustakas has remained a influential figure in the European film industry. His commitment to bold storytelling and creative risk continues to define his approach to film production today.

Andrijana Vicković – Head of the Jury

Andrijana Vicković is a Croatian actress and creative producer. She graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb in 1993 and later earned a second degree from the Academy of Arts in Split in 2023. Since 1993, she has been a permanent member of the drama ensemble at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) Split, performing in over 40 productions. In 1994, she received the Best Young Actress Award at the Festival of Actors. She is the founder and director of the Croatian Film Festival in Belgrade and the “Make it Happen” pitching forum. She also led the Acting Studio of the Theatra Theatron Association for 15 years, producing more than 30 theatre works. A member of the European Film Academy, Vicković has appeared in films and TV series including Einstein’s Greatest Mistake, The Priest’s Children, and the Netflix series Faraway. Alongside her artistic work, she specializes in neuroscience and is a certified hypnotherapist.

Lulzim Zeqja – Member of the Jury

Lulzim Zeqja is a distinguished Albanian actor known for his work in both theatre and film. A graduate of the Academy of Arts, he began his professional acting career on the stage, where he quickly earned recognition for his talent and versatility. He has appeared in several notable films, including East, West, East: The Final Sprint (2009), Ndërkombëtarët (2018), and The Delegation (2018). His screen credits also include acclaimed titles such as L’orizzonte degli eventi, The Van, The Albanian Virgin, iStar, and The Moonless Night, showcasing his ability to adapt across a wide range of genres and characters. Zeqja is deeply committed to the craft of acting, balancing a dynamic presence in both theatrical productions and cinematic roles. He is widely respected for his expressive depth, precision, and dedication, which continue to distinguish his performances both on stage and in front of the camera.

Ben Apolloni– Member of the Jury

Ben Apolloni (born January 29, 1980, in Stagovë-Kaçanik, Kosovo) is a director, screenwriter, and producer with a strong presence in the theatre and film industries of the region. He holds a degree in theatre directing and a master’s degree in film directing from the University of Pristina. Apolloni has directed over 18 theatrical productions across Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, as well as several short films. His work has earned him multiple accolades, including Best Director (2009) and Best Film (2012, 2021), highlighting his contribution to contemporary Balkan cinema. He currently serves as a producer at RTK21 and is the founder and director of the “Tri Net Film Fest” in Switzerland, an international platform promoting independent and regional cinema. Apolloni has also translated theatrical works and has contributed to cultural policymaking as a former member of the Board of Directors of the Kosovo Cinematography Center, playing an active role in shaping the future of Kosovo’s film sector.

Alda Bida – Head of Jury

Alda Bida is a prominent figure in Albanian media, with a professional journey that began in the print press of the 1990s. Over the years, she has served as the author and producer of several impactful programs, establishing a strong profile in the media industry. Currently, she is the producer and screenwriter of three of the most influential productions in the Albanian-speaking world: the Albanian Music Video Festival, Miss Albania, and the international event The Miss Globe. With a clear artistic vision and unwavering commitment to quality, Alda Bida remains one of the most influential voices in Albanian media.

Ermal Peçi – Member of Jury

Ermal Peçi is a well-known Albanian television personality who has built a steady career since 2006. He is recognized for his energetic style and his ability to conduct engaging interviews with both Albanian and international public figures. In addition to his media work, Peçi is actively involved in cultural events and major festivals. He has also earned international recognition as Albania’s representative in the “European Young Leaders” program.

Juliana Vrapi – Member of Jury

Juljana Vrapi holds a degree in Journalism from the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Tirana. She has extensive experience as a journalist and news editor in various media outlets, including Radio “Kontakt,” the magazines Bordo and LIS, and the newspaper SOT, where she has covered the Culture section since 2009. Throughout her career, she has interviewed prominent figures in music, visual arts, film, and theater, and has reported on key issues related to cultural heritage and legislation, including the Law on Copyright, the Law on Art and Culture, and the Law on Cinematography. She has participated in international events and was awarded the Cultural Journalism Prize by “Open Cinema.”

Egla Xhemalaj – Member of Jury

Egla Xhemalaj is an Albanian poet and cultural journalist. A graduate in Language and Literature from the University of Tirana, she is the recipient of several literary awards and is regarded as one of the most promising voices of her generation. Since 2016, she has worked as a cultural journalist, initially at Gazeta Shqiptare and currently at “Syri TV,” where she hosts the cultural program Odeon. She has served as a jury member for the “Idromeno” Festival and was a finalist in the international poetry competition “Mili Dueli.” She is currently completing her second master’s degree in Literary Theory and Criticism.