ATA 01/29/2025

ATA - “Tirana Training Center” to train 400 students, boost economy and tourism – Gonxhja

TIRANA, Jan 28 /ATA/ Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, attended on Tuesday the launch of the “Tirana Training Center,” an innovative hub dedicated to the creative industry in Albania, which will be located in the premises of the former Kinostudio. 

Minister Gonxhja described the “Tirana Training Center” as one of the most ambitious and promising projects in the artistic field, aimed at shaping the future of Albanian cinema. 

Minister Gonxhja remarked, “For us, as the most pro-American people in the world, it’s clear that the United States is admired for many reasons—the lifestyle, freedom, global influence, but most of all, for the realm where imagination, creativity, and the limitless power of dreams and change converge, creating the world of Hollywood.” 

The Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation emphasized that the “Tirana Training Center” will soon become the catalyst for an epoch-making and much-needed revolution in the creative industry in Albania. 

“Today, the years of effort to revive this sector seamlessly align with modern trends, market demands, early education, skill development, and employment. The launch of a creative center by Catalyst, guided by renowned professionals with credentials from HBO, Warner Bros, Disney, Netflix, and others, in a space originally built at Stalin’s request 70 years ago in what was once an impenetrable Tirana, is a story worthy of a film—showing how a void can be transformed into an oasis of freedom, creativity, and the power of art and talent,” said Gonxhja. 

According to Minister Gonxhja, this project aims to create a new branch of vocational education related to the field of film and screen. 

“This will be a valuable investment in the education of future generations who will contribute to this challenging industry, which must keep pace with the times. Secondly, we are creating a direct tool that will connect the market with enthusiasts in the field, creating new opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of regional and broader joint projects. Thirdly, we are helping to build a strong, supportive, and productive ecosystem where anyone with passion and desire can play a role in developing sustainable and innovative projects,” said Minister Gonxhja. 

“Fourthly, this project has the potential to bring significant economic, social, and cultural benefits by positioning Albania at the heart of the Mediterranean map of the creative and production industry,” he emphasized. 

Minister Gonxhja emphasized that this innovative center will train 400 students, ranging from children to adults, in classes for acting, directing, animation, cinematography, music, screenwriting, and more. 

“With the opening of this center, we lay the foundations for the creation of an event hub that will enrich our artistic calendar, from mini film festivals and cinematography to the Fame Tour, which will explore unique landscapes and filming opportunities in Albania.” 

According to Gonxhja, creative industries generate around 5% of the Gross Domestic Product in the European Union, providing over eight million jobs and being among the highest-paying sectors. 

“The film ‘Lord of the Rings’ generated around 600 million dollars per year at its peak in New Zealand. ‘Game of Thrones’ was also a tremendous boost for Croatia, as well as for other countries like Northern Ireland and Iceland, where it brought in tens of millions of euros in local benefits, thanks to booming tourism,” he added. 

Minister Gonxhja emphasized at the end of his speech that MECI is committed to supporting this future-oriented model, which appears to be focused on production, innovation, and industry, rather than being a sector that relies solely on state support. 

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“Tirana Training Center” to train 400 students, boost economy and tourism – Gonxhja | Albanian Telegraphic Agency