TIRANA YEAR ZERO
Color, 89 min., feature, 2001; Albania/France/Belgium
In Albanian, with English subtitles

Director: Fatmir Koci
Producers: Thierry Lenouvel, Fatmir Koci, Martine Lambrechts
Production companies: Cine-Sud Promotion, Alexis Films, Kkoci Production
Screenwriters: Heinz Brandner, Fatmir Koci
Cinematographer: Heinz Brandner
Music: Artem Denissov
Cast: Nevin Mecaj, Ermela Teli

The film tells the story of a young couple in post-communist Albania, at a time when many Albanians left the country in search for a better life abroad. In the crime-riddled, rundown city of Tirana a young man lives with his parents in a dilapidated apartment complex. His beautiful, smart, resourceful girlfriend wants to move to Paris and be a model. Escape seems imminent for these hopeful youths.

Awards
Best Film/Golden Alexander Award, Thessaloniki Film Festival, 2001
Best First Screenplay Prize, Namur Festival, 2001
Special Jury Prize, Cologne Festival, 2002
Nominated for Grand Prix, Bratislava Festival, 2002

Director Fatmir Koci
After graduating from the Tirana Arts Academy, Fatmir directed several shorts and documentary films.  “Necrology” was awarded at the Montreal festival ‘96, and documentary “Alternative head” won awards in France and Belgium. This is his second feature film. He is currently in pre-production on his third feature.

Filmography
The Third One, short, 1988
The Student's Father, short, 1988
The River that doesn't Dry Out, short, 1989
Necrology, feature, 1994
The Golden Icecream, short documentary, 1998
Tirana Year Zero, feature, 2001

DVD Source:
Cine-Sud Promotion
130 rue de Turenne
75003 Paris, France
Tel +331. 44 54 54 77
cine-sud@noos.fr