Oct. 11 – In the Ceremony Hall of Arts University in Tirana, the Dean Petrit Malaja will bestow upon Claudio Gubitosi, founder and director of the Giffoni Experience, the Honoris Causa Degree. The Albanian government and its public Arts University decided to grant their first Honoris Causa degree to Gubitosi, because, “he was the first to contribute, in 1984, to the promotion of Albanian cinema and arts in general.” The introductory speeches will be given by professors Alfred Trebicka and Artan Minarolli. The Ministers of Culture, Education and European Integration are expected to participate, alongside Tirana’s mayor, directors and artists. Maddalena Pessina, in charge of cultural events, will also be present. After the ceremony, Gubitosi will be welcomed by the Italian Ambassador, Massimo Gaiani, and the director of the Cultural Institute, Fulvia Veneziani. Gubitosi declares, “it is a great honor to receive this Degree at such an important moment in Albanian history – the 100th year of independence. I truly feel part of a nation and a people that I have always loved and has always loved me, and whose culture represents a valuable asset for humanity.” During his Lectio Magistralis, Gubitosi will talk about the important moments in his historical relationship with Albania, and particularly about the events and initiatives promoted by Giffoni Experience. The latter has involved over 3.000 students and youth in just the past few years. At the end of the ceremony, Gubitosi will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Arts University to develop further projects. Finally, three university students will have the possibility of participating in the Giffoni Experience 2012 Masterclass.
