Winners announced for the "Memory and Human Rights" competition
The final ceremony of the "Memory and Human Rights" competition took place on May 23, in line with the commemorative dates, marking the 51st anniversary of the Spaç Revolt, the 40th anniversary of the Qafë-Bar Revolt, and the 45th anniversary of the execution of journalists Fadil Kokomani and Vangjel Lezho.
The work of the 25 finalists and the achievements of this project were celebrated by the Ambassador of Switzerland, Ms. Ruth Huber, the Dean of the Faculty of History-Philology, Sabri Laçi, and the head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, Mark Marku.
The members of the jury, journalists, and media experts, Jonila Godole, Fatmira Nikolli, and Robert Rakipllari, selected the six winning works.
First Prize: Jona Cenameri for the research and multimedia work "A Half-Memory". The prize was awarded by Ambassador Huber.
Motivation: For the in-depth research and critical reflection presented in a highly creative way on the role that social media platform TikTok plays in reconfiguring and distorting historical digital memory and its impact on a new generation.
Second Prize: Albona and Kejsi Leka for the video profile "Face to Face". The prize was awarded by the head of the IDMC, Jonila Godole.
Motivation: For the original script, which, through authentic witness testimonies, archival documents, and materials, presents a poignant family story with all its tragic details of human rights violations in Communist Albania.
Second Prize: Enis Djepaxhija for the animated video "Paranoia as Defense: The Duty Above All Duties". The prize was awarded by the head of the Department of Journalism and Communication at the Faculty of History-Philology, Mark Marku.
Motivation: For the explanatory animated video, which, through a sharp analysis and a unique entertaining format, tackles some of the myths of communism, making them more understandable for its peers.
Third Prize: Juliana Zguro for the family saga "We, the Dhame Family". The prize was awarded by the professor and student mentor, Zylyftar Bregu, and also by Fatmira Nikolli, a member of the jury.
Motivation: For uncovering an unheard history through careful research and an original narration, contributing to enriching the collective historical memory.
Third Prize: Klea Dahari and Klea Kapllani for the video testimonial "The Roots Speak". The prize was awarded by the jury member, Robert Rakipllari, and the mentor, Rashela Shehu.
Motivation: For the moving audiovisual narration, where individual oral testimonies are interwoven through a powerful narrative in a synthetic and creative format.
Third Prize: Vjolanda Peca for the written reportage "Escape, A Shackled Desire". The prize was awarded by Ethem Fezollari, Chairman of the Association of Persecuted Politicians, and Oriada Dajko, coordinator of the competition.
Motivation: For the profile report, which skillfully tackles the dilemma of a 19-year-old choosing between escaping to freedom or remaining under a dictatorial regime - a tragic phenomenon that has cost the lives of thousands of Albanians.
The project was implemented by the Institute for Democracy, Media and Culture (IDMC) in cooperation with the Department of Journalism and Communication at the Faculty of History-Philology, UT, with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Albania and under the supervision of Ambassador Ruth Huber.
* The photos were taken by Julian Putz, an intern at IDMC.
Organisers
