The historical short film \u201cTeuta, Queen of the Seas\u201d, written and directed by Suela Bako, gathered art and cinema lovers on Thursday, May 7, at the premises of the Central State Film Archive in Tirana, where it was warmly received and highly praised by the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among those attending the premiere was Deputy Minister of Education Orjana Osmani, along with representatives from the worlds of art, culture, and television.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The film presents a narrative that intertwines history, identity, and personal discovery, following the story of Tea, an archaeology student who begins searching for traces of Queen Teuta, whose name she also carries. Along this journey, she reflects on heritage, the strength of women, and her personal connection to history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspired by one of the forty stories from the \u201cHeritage Is Our Brand\u201d project, the film brings back into focus the figure of Queen Teuta, who challenged the Roman Empire in a male-dominated world and became a symbol of courage, resilience, and dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director Suela Bako said she was inspired not only by the story of Teuta from Albania Heritage, but also by the emotional and spiritual connection carried by the name itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAn extraordinary undertaking. One thing that pushed me forward was my mother, Teuta Bako. Every person has an inner force that drives them forward. After her came another little Teuta, Sea. She inspired me to name the character Tea, and then came another Teuta, Kaltrin Zalla,\u201d she shared emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In her speech, the director also expressed that the spirit and energy of Teuta can still be found in Albanian women from north to south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI believe the gene is there and it is inherited. That is what I wanted to express in my poetry \u2014 a perspective on history and the roots we come from. We also come from Queen Teuta. I think our women are an extraordinary station to stop at in every era,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deputy Minister of Education Orjana Osmani praised the film and suggested that productions like this should also be screened in schools so students can learn about historical figures through art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would suggest that films like these be shown in schools. I believe they would be welcomed by history teachers and would spark students\u2019 curiosity, especially about facts they may not encounter in their textbooks. It sends the message that film and art educate. Such films are an added value to the educational process,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, researcher and author of the \u201cHeritage Is Our Brand\u201d stories, Belisa Muka, expressed her pride in seeing this extraordinary figure of Illyria brought to the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am very proud because I believe stories exist to remind us of the importance of historical figures who have left their mark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The role of Teuta is played by Kaltrin Zalla, while the cast also includes Romir Zalla, Sea Dashi, and Enton Lazaj. The soundtrack was composed by Jurgen Muharremi, cinematography was handled by Gert Izeti and Enton Lazaj, while editing and post-production were curated by Adi Guri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project also incorporates contemporary technologies through AI Video Generator by Hermes Zalla, creating a fusion between tradition and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The film premiere took place at Kinema Drita, near the Central State Film Archive, and entrance was free for the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the screening, art lovers exchanged thoughts and ideas with director Suela Bako.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This film is the second creation released from the fifteen grants awarded under the \u201cHeritage Is Our Brand\u201d project, funded by the European Union and implemented by DMO Albania and EU Policy Hub. Over the coming two months, more artistic productions will follow, including installations, the xhubleta, bas-reliefs, ethno-jazz concerts, and many other projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After these activities, the project will focus on children and schools in order to pass on to younger generations all the stories, legends, and artistic works created, helping them become familiar with Albania\u2019s cultural treasures, feel proud of them, and preserve them for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n