AMNESTY

(Amnistia)

by Bujar Alimani

Albania/Greece/France 2011, 83 min, 35 mm

Production: 90 Productions, Fantasia Ltd, Arizona Films

Cast: Luli Bitri, Karafil Shena, Todi Llupi, Mirela Naska, Alaksander Rrapi

They woke up from oblivion – to live an impossible love

For the first time in Albania, a new law allows sexual intercourse for married couples inside a prison in Tirana. Once a month, Elsa takes on a long bus trip to visit her husband behind bars. Spetim shares this monthly event: his wife has been locked up as well. Out of the prison walls, a secret love story between the two visitors is born, until one day, the government votes on Amnesty.

„A heartrending melancholy flows through AMNESTY, an intense feature debut“ - Cineuropa

„Luili Bitri (Elsa), Karafil Shena (Spetim) and Mirela Naska (Maya) must not be missed. As must not this film.“ - willianveryhudson.com

„Alimani displays a solid control of the visual language“ - Screen

World Premiere: Berlinale Forum 2011

North American Premiere: Montreal World IFF 2011

Awards:

Best Actress (Luli Bitri) - East & West IFF 2012,

Prix des cinéphiles - Rencontres du cinéma slovaque et de‘l Europe central 2011,

Special Mention - Lisbon & Estoril FF 2011,

Audience Award, Golden Goddess (Best Actress - Luli Bitri) - PriFilmFestival 2011

Special Jury Prize, FIPRESCI Award, Cineuropa Prize - Lecce EFF 2011,

C.I.C.A.E. Award - Berlinale 2011