Tirana is the capital and largest city of Republic of Albania. It is the administrative, cultural, economic, and industrial center of Albania. The population of the city proper at the 2015 census was 610,070 and the municipality of Tirana, created in 2015, has a total population of 800,986. It is the biggest metropolitan area in Albania, and the only one with a population of over 500.000. The city is host to many public institutions and public and private universities, and is the center of the political, economic, and cultural life of the country. The city serves as a venue for the Tirana Film Festival, Tirana Biennale, Tirana Jazz Festival, Summer Day, White Night on 28 November, Rally Albania, Buy Albanian Regional Delicacies Expo, and Tirana Fashion Week.

Tirana also serves as a venue for the National Center of Cinematography founded in 1996. The Centre was empowered to give a grant for projects, provided that they were able to find a foreign co-production partner.

The cinematography in Albania is regulated by the Law No. 8096, of March 21, 1996“ON CINEMATOGRAPHY”. Other permits, requirements and restrictions will be handled by Albania Film Commission.

The Albanian National Center of Cinematography preferably finances projects with foreign co-production already established by Albanian filmmakers. Since its creation ANCC has supported production, distribution and promotion of 34 feature films, 34 shorts, 76 documentaries and 48 animations.

The ANCC actively encourages Albanian filmmakers in developing feature film projects by financially supporting international co-productions as a strategy to enhance distribution and reception of these films beyond our borders.

The ANCC financially assists film festivals along with presenting worldwide the ‘Days of Albanian Cinema’ – as well as valuable seminars, conferences and screenings meant to introduce and improve the film industry in Albania.

The ANCC represents Albania in a number of international motion picture organizations such as Eurimages, SEE Cinema Network and European Film Promotion.

Albania is best known for its well preserved Ottoman cities, archaeological ruins, castles and fortresses, mosques and churches, Soviet architecture, rugged mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, national parks and white sand beaches with azure seas. The Albanian Alps in the north of the country are home to the picturesque Theth National Park, Valbona Valley National Park, and the ancient cities of Shkoder and Puka. Southern Albania is home to many beautiful beaches including Dhermi, Ksamil, and Borsh. The area is also where you can find the old Ottoman cities of Gjirokaster and Berat (with Mount Tomorr as the backdrop). Butrint is known for its ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Tirana is the capital and main entry point by air. The city can double for urban Italian looks as well as old Soviet locations.