Albania Renames Street in Capital Tirana as Free Ukraine

A member of a civil society lights a candle during a protest in solidarity with the Ukrainian people after Russia's military operation against Ukraine, front of the Russian embassy in Tirana, Albania. February 24, 2022. (Reuters)
A member of a civil society lights a candle during a protest in solidarity with the Ukrainian people after Russia's military operation against Ukraine, front of the Russian embassy in Tirana, Albania. February 24, 2022. (Reuters)
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Albania Renames Street in Capital Tirana as Free Ukraine

A member of a civil society lights a candle during a protest in solidarity with the Ukrainian people after Russia's military operation against Ukraine, front of the Russian embassy in Tirana, Albania. February 24, 2022. (Reuters)
A member of a civil society lights a candle during a protest in solidarity with the Ukrainian people after Russia's military operation against Ukraine, front of the Russian embassy in Tirana, Albania. February 24, 2022. (Reuters)

Albania will rename a street in its capital Tirana where the Russian and Ukrainian embassies are located as Free Ukraine to honor Ukraine's resistance to war, the mayor said on Sunday.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO member Albania has joined other European countries in introducing economic sanctions and banning Russian aircraft from its air space.

"Our generation will be marked by this bloody Russian aggression, and the heroic resistance of Ukraine should be remembered in our public places," Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj told Reuters.

The street was previously named after Donika Kastrioti, who was the wife of Albania's national hero Skanderbeg. The embassies of Serbia and Kosovo are also located on the street.

Mayor Veliaj said the new name would be a reminder for the Russian embassy staff. "The Russians will have to work, live and get their mail on a Free Ukraine street address."

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbor's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.



Saudi Film Commission Participates in 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

The Saudi Film Commission logo
The Saudi Film Commission logo
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Saudi Film Commission Participates in 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

The Saudi Film Commission logo
The Saudi Film Commission logo

The Saudi Film Commission is participating in the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), held from September 5 to 15.

TIFF is one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, drawing filmmakers, critics, and audiences globally and serving as a premier platform for showcasing global cinema.

‏This year, the commission will feature a dedicated pavilion highlighting prominent Saudi film projects and initiatives, providing visitors with a unique experience to explore the Kingdom's vast history and vibrant creativity in the film industry.

In addition, a delegation from the commission, along with a group of Saudi filmmakers, will be attending to represent the diverse talents and voices of the Saudi film community.

‏The pavilion embodies the commission’s commitment to advancing the film industry in Saudi Arabia, showcasing recent achievements and highlighting opportunities for international‏ collaboration and partnerships. It aims to attract global interest in Saudi stories and productions while strengthening connections with filmmakers from around the world.

‏The Saudi Film Commission's participation in the Toronto International Film Festival aligns with its strategy to elevate Saudi cinema on the global stage, support Saudi talent, and contribute to the growth of the global film industry.