The convention opened on Sept. 23 with an official ceremony attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Marinela Prifti, representatives of the European Union Delegation in Albania and the Joint Secretariat, project partners and cultural-sector representatives from across the region.

The convention aims to strengthen links between cultural and economic stakeholders in the South Adriatic, promoting cross-border cooperation, innovation and sustainable development, organisers said.

The opening day focused on the project and its partners, as well as efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. Particular attention was given to the “Network of Balkan Theatres” initiative, which seeks to build new links between performing arts institutions and professionals across the region through networking, artistic exchanges and cross-border projects.

The programme continued on Thursday with World Café sessions, B2B meetings and cross-border networking activities, providing opportunities to establish new partnerships, exchange experience and develop ideas for joint projects.

The SEEDS project is co-financed by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic programme, with Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport serving as lead partner.

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The conference, titled “Breaking the Frame: Balkan Women Reimagine Cinema”, brought together participants from Albania, Kosovo, Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Cyprus and France, as well as representatives of Eurimages.

More than 50 participants took part in discussions on the state of the audiovisual industry in the region, French and European practices that have improved gender representation, and the structural barriers facing women directors and producers in the Balkans.

Three panels focused on obstacles preventing women from directing their first feature films, opportunities for regional co-productions and the shift from voluntary recommendations to binding gender-equality mechanisms in film funding.

Participants said women no longer needed to ask for a seat at the cinema table, as they had built that table themselves.

The event was organised by Albanian Women in Audiovisual (AWA) with the support of the French Embassy in Albania, KUB France Tirana and the National Cinematography Centre (QKK). French Ambassador Catherine Suard and QKK head Jonid Jorgji attended the conference.

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President Begaj praised the “excellent and friendly” ties between Albania and Türkiye and reaffirmed Tirana’s commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership.

During the talks, both officials expressed their readiness to maintain the current momentum of political dialogue and expand cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, the environment, and security.

“Türkiye is a key partner and ally for Albania,” Begaj said, adding that there is broad potential for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors.

The two sides also discussed regional developments and security issues, emphasizing enhanced cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP).

President Begaj acknowledged Türkiye’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Western Balkans, and expressed appreciation for Ankara’s ongoing engagement – particularly the contribution of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Begaj also commended Türkiye’s active lobbying efforts for Kosovo’s recognition and membership in regional and international organizations.

The meeting also touched on broader international issues, with Begaj highlighting Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue in conflicts, including the Russia – Ukraine war and the crisis in the Middle East.

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