Boston, June 2025 – For three magical nights, June 19, 20, and 21, the St. George Cathedral in Boston – known as the Fan Noli Church – became the spiritual home of Albanian cinema in the diaspora. The second edition of the Albanian Film Festival “Fan Noli” brought audiences an emotional, artistic, and cultural journey that celebrated identity, memory, and talent.
USALB TV, dedicated to being the voice of the Albanian-American community, followed the festival from its initial preparations to the final awards night, documenting every meaningful moment.
Heartfelt Thanks to the Organizing Team
We express our most sincere gratitude to the entire organizing team of the festival, who not only coordinated the event but stood as its backbone:
- Robert (Bob) Tochkac – President of Fan Noli Cultural and Library Center and Festival Director
- Bujar Alimani – Acclaimed film director and Artistic Director of the Festival
- Dhimiter Demiri – Chairman of the Church Board and Cultural Center leader
- Vasilika Jantilli – Event coordinator and logistics support
- Eda Skëndi – Activity manager and public relations
- Jona Kumani – Marketing Director
- Sandra Kosta – Community liaison and technical support
- Enkelejda Klosi – Jury member and programming collaborator
Their energy, commitment, and tireless support were essential from start to finish. They were not just organizers – they were the pillars on which this festival stood.
Artistic Celebration with Human Soul
Thanks to this incredible team, Boston experienced three unforgettable evenings of cinema. Director Bujar Alimani, with extraordinary professionalism, curated a strong artistic program, while Dhimiter Demiri, alongside Eda Skëndi and Vasilika Jantilli, ensured the awards gala was a grand finale.
2025 Festival Awards:
- Best Film of the Festival: Isa Qosja – Three Windows and a Hanging
- Best Actress (Leading Role): Irene Aliu – Three Windows and a Hanging
- Best Actor (Leading Role): Arben Bajraktarai – Streha mes Reve
- Best Director: Gjergj Xhuvani – My Lake
- Best Supporting Actress: Luiza Xhuvani – My Lake, Emilie, The Tree Planting
- Best Supporting Actor: Tristan Halilaj – My Lake
- Best Documentary: Eneos Carka – Another Day
- Best Short Film: Elvis Lule – The Taste of Pork
- Best Animation: Rikarda Nova Nenshati & Ergys Faja – The Woodcutter’s Ballad
- Best Screenplay: Robert Budina – Streha mes Reve
- Best Original Music: Lola Aleksi Gjoka
- Special Jury Prize: Gentian Koçi – A Cup of Coffee and New Shoes
🟩 Part of the proceeds from the gala dinner and awards ceremony – which required reservations and included a full meal – were donated to Albanians Fighting Cancer USA, turning the night into a celebration of both art and compassion.
Great Artists, Unforgettable Moments
Among the highlights was the presence of acclaimed actresses Luiza Xhuvani and Rovena Lule, who touched audiences with their performances and humility. Particularly Rovena Lule, who covered her own travel expenses, showed that true dedication to culture transcends financial limits.
Luiza Xhuvani also visited the VATRA ADHC, LLC senior center in Braintree, where she was moved to tears meeting old friends and family members in an atmosphere of warmth and shared memories.
During one evening, the family of Denisa & Margelin Gace hosted a beautiful dinner at their home, welcoming guests such as Bujar Alimani, Luiza Xhuvani, Rovena Lule, Luan Rama, Alket Veliu, representatives of USALB TV, and close friends. We extend our heartfelt thanks to this generous family for the evening filled with meaningful conversations, humor, and joy.
Ode to Sacred Temples – Memory and Reflection
Author and filmmaker Luan Rama, together with director Alket Veliu, presented the emotionally powerful documentary “Ode to the Temples That Are Never Forgotten”, a work focusing on the Cham issue. The film was shown both at the festival and at Mother Teresa Senior Center in Boston, followed by a thoughtful discussion with the audience on historical memory and institutional recognition.
A separate community forum, moderated by Ela Prifti, featured a second screening and an open conversation on the work of Luan Rama and the importance of raising continued awareness about the Cham issue.
A Call for Support – Let’s Build the Future of Albanian Arts in the Diaspora
This festival, like many cultural initiatives in the diaspora, was built with great love but very limited financial resources. Artists such as Rovena Lule traveled at their own cost. Organizers worked voluntarily.
This is a public appeal to all Albanian-American individuals, businesses, and associations to support this festival in future editions.
Even modest contributions can ensure a stronger artistic presence, a richer guest list, and a broader community impact.
Coming Soon on USALB TV – Exclusive Highlights
Throughout the event, USALB TV recorded exclusive interviews with participants including Luiza Xhuvani, Rovena Lule, Luan Rama, Alket Veliu, Roberta Panariti, Albana Bufi Mihali many more.
Stay tuned for our special broadcast, offering a full summary of the festival’s screenings, panels, award night, and behind-the-scenes moments.
With gratitude and pride,USALB TV – The voice of the Albanian-American community
