The PriFest International Film Festival opens its 18th edition tonight in Pristina, bringing an extensive film program, international guests, and activities focused on the development of Kosovo’s film industry.

Speaking on RTK’s “Mirëmëngjesi Kosovë,” PriFest director Fatos Berisha said this year’s edition is special both for its 18th anniversary and its program, which features internationally acclaimed films and a broad range of activities for audiences and industry professionals.

A notable feature of this year’s festival is Kosovo’s involvement as a co-producer in all six feature films selected for the main category. Five compete, while one will be screened out of competition.

“Kosovo is a participant; it is a co-producer as a state in all six films. This has never happened in these 18 years,” Berisha said.

The festival will open with Blerta Basholli’s “Dua” and close with Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money.” Other films include “Hana” by Ujkan Hysaj, “Gulizar,” “Otter” and “The River,” a Greece-Kosovo co-production starring Ilire Vinca.

PriFest will also host several international premieres. Three Albanian medium-length films will have their world premieres in Pristina.

Short and medium-length films will be screened from 5:00 PM with free admission, while feature films will start at 7:30 PM, with tickets priced at €5.

Switzerland is the festival’s country in focus this year, with PriFest aiming to strengthen cinematographic cooperation between the two countries. A film co-production agreement between Kosovo and Switzerland is also expected to be formalized during the festival.

The festival will also host the Prishtina Forum, dedicated to developing the local film industry through training sessions, master classes, discussions and competitions for projects in development.

Berisha noted that several successful Kosovo films have previously benefited from the forum, including “Gulizar,” a Turkey-Kosovo co-production that won the forum’s Best Pitch competition.

The 18th edition of PriFest runs from September 8 to 13. Alongside film screenings, the program includes press conferences, discussion panels, industry events, and evening activities, including after-parties in front of Kino Armata.