Prishtina, 4 December, 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and last night participated in the award ceremony of the “Art Without Limit” International Film Festival, 4th Edition.
Supported through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, this festival was held precisely on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to mark it with their inspiring stories.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Kurti singled out the category of short films that convey the message “Even if you can do it”. He said that he feels happy that among the successful figures, he sees the name of Elion Paloje, who, with his amazing performance on the piano, has remained in his memory since April of last year, until now, through the film, wider audiences will be able to get to know his art.
“Through the seventh art, society will recognize and appreciate the countless ways in which people with special needs contribute to society. The professional journalist at Radio Kosovo, Lume Berisha, will teach us more about life through their own lives; swimming champion from Tirana, Gersi Troka; car racing champion, tennis player and professional tennis judge Samire Jupolli; as well as our basketball player Egzon Vatovci”, said Prime Minister Kurti.
In this ceremony, the prime minister said that in September he was at the ceremony of the Paralympic Games “Kosovo 2023”, which this year include 13 sports disciplines, as he mentioned the fact that the financial support for the Paralympic Committee of Kosovo has increased many times, from 15 thousand euros to in 2020, at 100 thousand euros now, while a special support is being prepared for the participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will be the first in history.
“While we celebrate tonight and honor diversity together, honoring people with special needs, we must honor them every day in our interaction, in our communication, to increase their sense of belonging, and enable them life with dignity. The guarantee and advancement of human rights, in addition to being an essential issue in itself, is also a driving force for a more successful society”, said Prime Minister Kurti at the end of his speech.
At the end of the festival, the Prime Minister awarded the main prize, which this edition went to the film “Aggrappati a ME” by the Italian director, Luca Arcidiacono.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Dear director of the festival, Mrs. Ganimete Sava,
Dear artistic director, Mr. Burim Haliti,
Honorable Hajrulla Çeku, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Your Excellency, Mr. Antonello De Riu, ambassador of Italy in Kosovo,
Your Excellency, Mr. Petrit Malaj, ambassador of Albania in Kosovo,
Dear representatives of friendly countries,
Dear activists and representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities,
Dear artists and art lovers, ladies and gentlemen,
I am happy to be here with you tonight, at the awards ceremony of the international film festival “Art Without Limit”, or “Arti pa kufi”. I am glad that through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports we have supported this festival, which is exactly as you describe it, a celebration of diversity, inclusiveness and the indomitable human spirit.
It is a special pleasure to be here on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to mark it with their inspiring stories. I will single out the category of short films, which convey the message “You can do it too”. Among the successful figures, I was happy to see the name of Elion Paloje. From April last year, I have an unforgettable memory of his amazing piano performance. Now, through film, wider audiences will be able to get to know his art.
Through the seventh art, society will recognize and appreciate the countless ways that people with special needs contribute to our society. The professional journalist at Radio Kosovo, Lume Berisha, will teach us more about life through their own lives; swimming champion from Tirana, Gersi Troka; car racing champion, tennis player and professional tennis judge Samire Jupolli; as well as our basketball player, Egzon Vatovci.
In September, I was at the ceremony of the “Kosova 2023” Paralympic Games, which this year include 13 sports disciplines. We have multiplied the financial support for the Kosovo Paralympic Committee, from 15 thousand euros in 2020, to 100 thousand euros now. We are preparing special support for participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will be the first in history.
Such activities enrich society and serve to increase knowledge about disability, and to change our sensitivities and worldviews. They enable us to recognize and honor the talents of people with special needs, as valuable members of our society.
This festival, beyond the artistic, contributes to the growing awareness, which we must translate together into increased joint action to address the many challenges. If we are members of the same society, then we prove this precisely through solidarity with each other.
So dear guests,
While we celebrate tonight and honor diversity together, honoring people with special needs, we must honor them every day in our interaction, in our communication, to add to their sense of belonging, and to enable their lives with dignity. The guarantee and advancement of human rights, in addition to being an essential issue in itself, is also a driving force for a more successful society.
I thank you all for your work, commitment, role and contribution to human rights, for the progressive and positive change of society and our country. In the New Year 2024, let’s increase our efforts to build a just society, and together create a future with greater opportunities for each and every one.
Congratulations on this festival and thank you once again!
Last modified: December 4, 2023