Luna Park
Starring Adriana Matoshi and Orion Jolldashi, Nik Xhelilaj, Suela Bako, Flonja Kodheli
Director Florenc Papas
Writers Florenc Papas, Glykeria Patramani
Producer Dritan Huqi
Producers Riccardo Neri, Vincenzo Filippo, Ioanna Bolomyti
Co-producers Zvonimir Munivrana, Fatmir Spahiu
Cinematographer Simos Sarketzis
Editor Federica Forcesi
Production Designer Durim Neziri
Art Director Rei Pema
Sound Designer Jacopo Manzo
Music Matej Merlic
Costume Designer Stela Laknori
Make-Up Artist Ioanna Lygizou
Synopsis
In 1997 Albania, Mira, a single mother, struggles to raise her teenage son, Toni, as the country falls into chaos. Hoping for a better life, she invests all her money in a risky scheme, believing it will change their future after becoming involved with a wealthy investor running the scheme. Meanwhile, Toni spends his days with his best friend, Sara, who is about to leave for Greece, making him feel even more lost. As the country collapses into violence, Mira and Toni realize they have no choice but to run, before it’s too late.
Technical Information
Original Title: Luna Park
Format: Shot in 4K Digital / DCP / Color
Image Format: 2.39:1
Duration: 101 minutes
Sound Format: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround
Original Language: Albanian and Greek with English Subtitles
Director's note
Luna Park is a deeply personal story inspired by my childhood in 1990s Albania. Set against the backdrop of the 1997 financial collapse, the film follows a mother and son grappling with uncertainty as their world unravels. Like many Albanian families of the time, their lives are shaped by economic hardship, separation, and the dream of a better future beyond the country’s borders.
The crisis of 1997 remains a painful chapter in Albania’s history—one often left unspoken. But through Luna Park, I seek to give voice to that silence, capturing the resilience, desperation, and hope of a generation forced to grow up too soon.
Born in 1991, I carry the echoes of that era in my own memories. This film is not just a reflection of my past but a tribute to all those who lived through the uncertainty of that time. It’s a story of survival, of broken dreams and enduring love, and of the way history shapes who we become.
Awards & Festivals
*Nominated for Hellenic Film Academy Awards for Best Greek Minority
GOA-Indian International Film Festival - India
Thessaloniki International Film Festival - Greece
Sofia International Film Festival - Bulgaria
Uruguay International Film Festival - Uruguay