Robert Budina, a highly acclaimed and accomplished independent film producer and director, originates from the charming city of Korça, situated in the beautiful country of Albania. With a solid educational foundation, he graduated with a degree in Theater Directing from the prestigious Academy of Arts, an institution renowned for its excellence in the field of arts and culture. Following his academic pursuits, Budina has made a significant impact in the world of theater, with a notable body of work that showcases his exceptional skills as a director and writer. Throughout his illustrious career, he has written and directed numerous theater plays, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
In 2001, Budina, along with his esteemed colleague Sabina Kodra, co-founded ERAFILM PRODUCTION Company, a venture that has enabled him to bring his creative vision to the big screen.
Robert's remarkable career has been marked by a diverse array of responsibilities, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a producer, executive producer, and supervisor in a wide range of international co-productions.
Robert's inaugural foray into the realm of direction, the short film "LULEBORË", made its world premiere at a staggering 40 film festivals globally, receiving widespread acclaim and recognition along the way. Among the numerous accolades bestowed upon the film, it is noteworthy that it took home the coveted title of Best Film at the esteemed Algarve festival in Portugal, as well as the prestigious Best Male Actor award at the Tanger festival in Morocco. Furthermore, "LULEBORË" enjoyed a significant broadcast presence, being featured on the French public television network France 3, as well as the National Public Television RTSH.
The inaugural feature film of this talented individual, titled AGON, made its mark on the global festival circuit, garnering recognition at over 30 international events. This remarkable achievement was met with accolades, including the prestigious Best Script award at SEE a PARIS, as well as the coveted Best Film and Best Male Actor awards at the Bloody Hero International Film Festival in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
The cinematic masterpiece was subsequently released in theaters across Albania, Greece, and broadcast on a variety of prominent television and radio networks, including Digitalb, Albania, Albanian National TV RTSH, Nova Greece, and Greek Public Radio and Television ERT SA, further solidifying its impact on the global film community.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, widely recognized as the pinnacle of cinematic excellence, bestowed upon Robert, the esteemed filmmaker, the esteemed Albanian Nomination for the Oscars in the year 2014, thereby further solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller and visual artist, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship in the realm of filmmaking.
Robert's second feature film, titled A SHELTER AMONG THE CLOUDS, made its premier appearance at the renowned Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it was met with great acclaim. This critically acclaimed film went on to participate in over 20 prestigious film festivals around the world, solidifying its reputation as a standout production.
The film's impressive festival run culminated in the coveted Global Visual Award at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Film Festival in San Jose, USA, a testament to its exceptional visual storytelling. Additionally, A SHELTER AMONG THE CLOUDS received top honors at the La Valletta International Film Festival in Malta, taking home the award for Best Film.
Furthermore, the film's outstanding performances earned it a trifecta of awards at PriFilmFest, Kosovo, with Robert's direction and the acting talents of the cast members being recognized with awards for Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress respectively.
The cinematic masterpiece, "A Shelter Among the Clouds", made its grand debut in various nations, gracing the silver screens of Albania, Germany, and Austria, while also captivating audiences in China through its widespread release. Furthermore, this highly anticipated film received widespread broadcast exposure on prominent television networks, including Digitalb, the premier Albanian television provider, as well as the Albanian National Television, RTSH, and the renowned international network, HBO.
Robert made a significant creative impact in the television industry in the year 2021, as he took on the dual roles of writer and director for the highly anticipated TV series, aptly titled THE SQUARE OF POWER. This ambitious project premiered on the largest and most prominent Albanian National TV network, KLAN, captivating the attention of a substantial portion of the viewing public.
Robert is presently immersed in the pre-production phase of his third feature film, WATERDROP, an eagerly anticipated cinematic endeavor that is poised to make a significant splash at film festivals and captivate audiences worldwide.
