Albania and France sign first film co-production deal

Albania and France have signed their first film co-production agreement at the Cannes Film Festival.

The deal means films made jointly by Albanian and French producers will count as national productions in both countries.

That gives them access to public funding and support in both Albania and France.

Tourism and culture minister Blendi Gonxhja said the agreement gives Albanian filmmakers a clearer route into European and international markets.

French culture minister Catherine Pégard said she hoped to return to Cannes one day to watch a French-Albanian film.

The agreement links France’s CNC with Albania’s National Centre of Cinematography.