by FilmInk Staff
The new film from writer-director Steven Kastrissios has recently completed a long production on an ambitious new fantasy film, SKYBREAKER. It is also the first fantasy film ever made in Albania, drawn from local mythologies of witchcraft and legend found in the region.
The story follows “Vlora” a young woman who embarks on a cosmic journey across modern Albania to rescue her lover from a ruthless witch.
The sprawling production extended to all corners of Albania to capture diverse locations and showcase new talent with a fantastically gifted local cast.
This is Kastrissios’ second film in Albania, having previously made the Albanian language thriller, BLOODLANDS. “I had a great experience on Bloodlands, which was a small experimental film, but after experiencing how open people were to collaborating, I planned to return”.
Reuniting with Albanian producer, Tan Kazazi, who collaborated on Bloodlands as a co-producer, Kastrissios created a co-production between his KASTLE FILMS and Kazazi’s BLACK BOX Films.
The film stars an exciting cast of Albanian actors performing in english, led by Xhulia Musagalliu who energetically plays ‘Vlora’. “I knew she was our lead within five minutes of meeting her. She’s ferocious and is able to play anything you throw at her from drama, comedy, tragedy or romance.”
The film also features Ina Gjonci as the film’s deliciously devilish antagonist, ‘Emina’, Igli Zarka as Vlora’s soulful lover, ‘Tori’ and Romir Zalla as ‘Ilir’ an outcast warlock who serves as a mentor figure.
“The Balkans is known for colourful characters and our cast didn’t disappoint and it’s all on screen for an international audience to enjoy”, says Kastrissios.
Skybreaker is set to premiere with an announcement expected in the coming days.
