Logline

In order to make ends meet, Lume, an elderly popcorn vendor, stands up to the local police, inciting a chain of events that urges the community to come together and stand by her side.

Short Synopsis

When Lume, an elderly woman who runs a semi-legal popcorn cart, gets arrested for resisting the police, her partner in crime, Azis a homeless man, has to take action, revealing that love hides in small things. He has to overcome the odds and wage a personal battle for justice. The odd couple’s struggle touches the heart of the community. They have been serving for a long time… They pour on support, making their dream come true and fulfilling a promise he once made to Lume, finally having their own popcorn store.

Director’s Statement

“Popcorn” is a film based on an actual story. At the heart of it is the destiny of poor people who work for their bread and their difficulties facing unfair justice.

At the center of “Popcorn” are two elderly characters, belonging to one of society’s most vulnerable groups: Semi-legal street vendors of today’s Tirana.

The deliberately chosen title “Popcorn” aims to capture the bursting state of things for thing elderly couples on the margins of society.

In terms of the film’s language, the cinematography will be mostly naturalistic, although with a touch of sarcasm. We are looking for a female cinematographer that would capture the harshness of an ordinary workday of this elderly woman, who often gets bothered by the police, as she is struggling to make ends meet.

In terms of the look, we are aiming for a handheld “docu-style” shot in locations. The cast will be comprised by a mixture of professional and non-professional actors, aiming to capture some authentic performances and the energy of a day.

Director’s Bio

Blerina Goce is an author and a journalist currently producing and hosting her TV-Show, “EuropeIN” for MCN TV in Tirana. Her experience includes developing original content on social issues, wellness, and cultural events, mostly for tv and printed media.

Producer’s Bio

Dionis Papadhimitri is an experienced producer based in Tirana. He is a founder of family business Papadhimitri Film Production. Dionis graduated as Director in the Academy of Arts in Tirana. In 2005 he followed a course of specialization at Experimental Center of Cinematography in Rome. During these years he produced several shorts films, winning many awards. Specially with “The First Day of Classes”. “Love” is his second feature film after ”You Can call me John” (2017), winner of 8 international awards.
His latest co-production Vera Dreams Sea (2021) premiered at Orizzonti Competition of Venice Film Festival 2021.

Partners