The “Tirana Training Center” is the newest initiative for creative youth, offering one of the most transformative programs for the creative industry in Albania. This collaboration with the United States will serve as a catalyst for the growth of cinematography and audiovisual productions in the country, providing professional training for up to 400 students simultaneously in areas such as acting, directing, animation, production, writing, and more.
In addition, the center will act as a bridge between the creative industry and the international market, with participation from professionals at major companies like HBO, Netflix, Warner Brothers, and others.
Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the presentation of the center today at the former Kinostudio Shqipëria e Re (new Albania), alongside the Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, as well as collaborators and leaders of the center.
“The Tirana Training Center will quickly become the catalyst for a much-needed revolutionary transformation in the creative industry in Albania,” said Minister Gonxhja. He emphasized that, “Here, we aim to first foster the creation of a new branch of vocational education directly linked to the film and screen industry, covering all its components. This will be a valuable investment in educating and training young generations who will contribute to this challenging and competitive industry, which must evolve in line with the times.”

Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Hello everyone! This is truly a special moment because we are back here in this space, after a hard and extensive effort to restore it, to launch an absolutely encouraging and inspiring program, creating new opportunities for all the youth and young people of Albania’s creative sector.

A few years ago, we had a Zoom discussion with a number of key players in this space, young protagonists from the United States, who actually represent the creative industry of the U.S. at various levels, including the highest ones. I believe this is a reason to feel even more confident and more assured that all these things happening now are part of a chain that has already entered an entirely new phase of self-development, and I have great faith in this program.

We are very confident that things are coming together like stars aligning in a specific constellation, and I am extremely optimistic that all those who will come, thanks to this program in Albania, to explore the opportunities, will look back with pride when they speak about it.
I told my American friends the story of the production of the Dutch television show, which was one of the key factors in changing the Dutch perception of Albania. I’m sure many of you here know that it became the reason for a very difficult relationship with the Netherlands during a period of several years, when we were blocked by the Netherlands from opening negotiations. In fact, all our efforts failed because they were met with that wall of prejudice against Albania. We had tried several times to reach out to that production to create an edition in Albania, but we never got a response, just a ‘no, thank you, we can’t do it.’
Then the pandemic hit, and they approached us, saying that to keep the show going, they had an idea to make this edition in the Balkans, as they saw that the Balkans had more contained infection numbers and maybe it was the place where the show could be made.
They came to Albania to do a site reconnaissance, starting here, with plans to visit two other countries afterward, but they ended up staying in Albania. After just a two-day stay, they decided, ‘This is the place; we’ll do it here,’ and from that moment, they became our ambassadors. The show was an enormous success, and now those involved speak nothing but praise for Albania. The show’s massive audience also turned into a significant group of Dutch tourists who began visiting in increasing numbers.

It wasn’t the only factor, but it was certainly one of the most important, and as the minister mentioned, these types of productions have an immediate, sometimes explosive, impact on the countries that host them. That’s why there’s fierce competition between countries to offer the most attractive conditions for such productions. Everyone has realized, and everyone is working to promote their country’s image through these projects, aiming to attract tourists, businesses, and more.

So, this is just the beginning. It will take time, like everything that requires its own time, but it’s a beginning that follows a long process and a great deal of effort, and we are starting to see its rewards every day. I am incredibly grateful to all those who believed in this moment. To Filip, first and foremost, who I met by chance through the American Embassy. And I also want to express my gratitude that, in the end, the American Embassy took an interest in a cultural project like this.

So, I wish everyone here—whether you have a close or distant interest in this project—success and prosperity in your involvement, no matter your proximity. I also want to thank the Ministry of Culture for their quick response today and for creating this opportunity in record time.
Just like the tent in Vermont where a few chairs were gathered to start a festival, these doors are now open, and I take this opportunity to invite all girls, boys, young or old (because I don’t believe there’s an age limit here) to knock on these doors, apply for the programs at this center, and together, each from their own position, let’s help grow this new creation that was born today.

Thank you all so much!