Pandeli Çeço
Filmmaker, cinematographer, communication expert, and cultural events organizer with over 20 years of experience in audiovisual production, advertising, and project management. Founder and Director of Travel Fest Albania, an international festival dedicated to film, photography, and storytelling. Award-winning documentary director with works screened internationally. Skilled trainer and facilitator, with experience in multimedia education, youth engagement, and creative workshops. Strong capacity to manage campaigns and multi-stakeholder cultural projects, from concept to delivery.
Work Experience
2018 – Present | Tirana, Albania
Videographer, Director, Editor
• Produced promotional videos and more than 20 documentary films, screened as official selections at various international film festivals in Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Portugal, Greece, Spain, the United States, Serbia, and Kosovo.
• International Awards include: The White Sheets (Audience Award, TIFF 2020; Golden Prize, Vishwarang 2020) and Half Year (Best Cinematography, AltFF Canada 2022, Myrtle Festival US 2022).
• Directed films on culture, history, ecology, and innovation (High-minded, The Missing, Zoje).
2020 – Present | Tirana, Albania
Founder & Director – Travel Fest Albania
• Established and direct Albania’s international festival dedicated to film, photography, and travel stories.
• Curated screenings from 40+ countries, organized industry workshops, and hosted international filmmakers.
• Expanded festival with competitions in photography and regional screenings.
2001 – Present | Tirana, Albania
Administrator – QUICK Advertising
• Founder and manager of QUICK Advertising agency.
• Designed and laid out Spekter magazine and Gazeta Çelësi newspaper (1998–2001).
• Led creative teams for campaigns serving Albanian and international clients.
• Produced over 2,500 print advertising materials and 50+ business/media websites.
• Executed online marketing and branding strategies for corporate and institutional clients.
Trainer & Facilitator Experience
Expert & Trainer
– Nucleus Albania (2017–2022)
• Promoted rural businesses through social platforms.
• Designed and delivered training for entrepreneurs in Gjirokastra, Shkodra, Korça, Pogradec, and Tirana.
• Supported the creation of tourist maps and promotion of local heritage and products.
– Diakonia Agapes (2023)
• Delivered staff training on “Introduction to Photography & Video.”
• Guided participants on effective promotion of activities through social media platforms.
– “Alternative Pathways” Project (AWA & British Council Albania, supported by UK Government, January – April 2025)
• Multimedia training in high schools.
• Taught youth how to film, tell stories, and apply technical audiovisual knowledge.
– “Breaking the Moulds, Shaping the Future” Project (AWA, SciDev Center & EU in Albania, March 2025)
• Facilitated workshops on creativity, gender balance, and audiovisual skills for youth and women professionals.
Communication & Outreach Expertise
Administrator & Founder – Story Video Albania
• Created a multimedia platform offering exclusive videos, reportages, and documentaries from Albania: coastlines, mountains, towns, villages, archaeological sites, traditions, and culture.
• Built a Premium Video Library with over 15,000 high-quality clips.
• Influenced an online audience of more than 10,000 followers on social media.
Collaborator – Tourism Agency of Albania
• Produced and promoted videos showcasing Albania’s most attractive destinations.
• Featured Albania’s gems and natural wonders to international online audiences.
Communication Campaigns
• Designed and managed publicity campaigns for:
– AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce in Albania)
– ACIT (Albanian Center for International Trade)
– Diakonia Agapes projects
– Nucleus Albania initiatives
- Events & Fairs: Organized and promoted cultural fairs, exhibitions, and business events with multimedia coverage.
- Integrated Messaging: Skilled at translating institutional goals into accessible, visually compelling messages for diverse audiences.
Education
1992 – 1997 | Tirana, Albania
Bachelor’s Degree in Physics
Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Skills
Digital & Creative Tools
• Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• DaVinci Resolve (color grading)
• CorelDraw Graphic Suite
• WordPress, SEO, Social Media Management
• Core Competencies
• Documentary filmmaking & visual storytelling
• Team leadership in cultural/creative projects
• Graphic design & multimedia production
• Public speaking, training, and facilitation
Honours & Awards
• Audience Award, Tirana International Film Festival (2020) – The White Sheets
• Golden Prize, Vishwarang International Film Festival, India (2020) – The White Sheets
• 3rd Place, International Documentary Festival, Ierapetra, Greece (2020) – The White Sheets
• Best Cinematography, AltFF Alternative Film Festival, Canada (2022) – Half Year
• Special Prize, Memorial Maria Luisa, Spain (2023) – Half Year
Languages
Albanian – Native
English – C1 (Listening: C1 | Reading: C2 | Speaking: B2 | Writing: C1)
Hobbies & Interests
• Cycling: passionate long-distance cyclist, organizer of bikepacking tours (Albania by Bike albaniabybike.com).
• Tennis: active recreational player, following international tournaments.
• Hiking, photography, chess, basketball.