About Me
Hello and Welcome
My name is Florenc Papas, and papas-movies.com is the creative space where I share my work as a director, writer, and producer. I’m now based in Toronto, though my roots trace back to Tirana, Albania, where my passion for storytelling first took shape. My films explore human relationships in their rawest form, often navigating themes of migration, resilience, and the weight of personal and historical legacies. At the heart of my work are the women I portray—complex, determined, and often facing unseen battles in societies that challenge them.
A little about myself—I was born and raised in Albania, a country with a turbulent past and a dynamic present, much like the stories I am drawn to tell. After earning my Bachelor's in Film Directing from the Academy of Film & Multimedia Marubi, I began my career by working across different roles in the industry, from assistant directing to programming international films. From 2015 to 2022, I served as the Director of Programming at Tirana International Film Festival, where I curated stories from around the world and championed emerging voices in cinema.
As a filmmaker, I aim to craft narratives that feel both intimate and universal. My debut feature, Open Door (2019), Official submission of Albania for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021, a journey that affirmed my belief in the power of deeply personal storytelling. My second feature, Luna Park (2024), explores ambition and survival in post-communist Albania and premiered at the GOA International Film Festival. Currently, I am developing my first English-language feature, an adaptation of an English novel—a project that marks a new chapter in my storytelling journey.
In addition to directing, I have produced and co-produced numerous films through Tunnelfilm Ltd., collaborating with filmmakers from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and beyond. I am also a proud European Film Academy member and was recognized on the FORBES 30 Under 30 for Europe list for my contributions to cinema.
Now, as I expand my work into Canada, I remain committed to creating films that challenge, move, and resonate across borders. Whether exploring the past or imagining new futures, I believe in cinema as a way to question, connect, and inspire.
Thanks for stopping by—I hope you enjoy the site!
–FP