Rudina emprende un largo viaje con su hermana soltera y embarazada, Elma, con la intención de visitar a su tradicional y estricto padre en su pueblo natal por el aniversario de la muerte de su madre. Cuando el coche de Rudina toma la ruta entre las montañas, a Elma se le ocurre la idea de convencer a un excompañero de clase para que haga el papel de su marido.

La ópera prima del joven cineasta albanés Florenc Papas, estrenada en la competencia del Festival de Cine de Sarajevo y excelentemente fotografiada por el kosovar Sevdije Kastrati, es una sobria y singular road movie sobre dos hermanas que viven buscando un equilibrio entre los valores tradicionales y la libertad personal. El embarazo de la hermana menor y la disparatada decisión que toma, con el reluctante apoyo de su hermana, para complacer a su padre y evitar el menosprecio automático que implica romper las normas que marca la tradición, le sirven a Papas para ofrecer un certero análisis de la patriarcal sociedad albanesa. El peso de la película recae en la solvente interpretación de Luli Bitri y Jonida Vokshi; sus personajes pasan por todas las fases de una relación profunda y fraternal (del enfado y la preocupación, a la ternura y solidaridad), y ellas logran conferirles una emotiva autenticidad. Open doors es, en definitiva, un hábil y tierno retrato —no exento de crítica—, de una sociedad tradicional que poco a poco va abriendo sus puertas a la modernidad.

Rudina sets off on a long journey with her unmarried pregnant sister, Elma, to meet their strict, traditional father in their home town on the anniversary of their mother's death. As Rudina's car makes its way across the mountains, Elma comes up with a plan to enlist a former classmate to play the part of her husband.

The feature debut from Albanian filmmaker Florenc Papas, which premiered in competition at the Sarajevo Film Festival and features remarkable cinematography by Kosovar Sevdije Kastrati, is a simple and unique road movie about two sisters constantly searching a balance between traditional values and personal freedom. The pregnancy of the younger sister and the absurd decision she makes, with the reluctant support of her sister, to please their father and avoid the instant contempt that stems from breaking the rules set by tradition, help Papas offer a truthful analysis of the patriarchal Albanese society. The weight of the film lies on the shoulders of Luli Bitri and Jonida Vokshii's strong performances. They manage to convey a touching authenticity as their characters go through all phases of a close sisterly relationship (from anger and concern to tenderness and solidarity). Open Door is, ultimately, a skillful and loving—yet critical—portrait of a traditional society that is slowly opening its doors to the modern world.

Florenc Papas

(Tirana, Albania, 1991)

Estudió dirección de cine y medios en la Marubi Film Academy en Tirana. Ha realizado numerosos cortometrajes, videos promocionales, series de televisión y documentales. Es programador del Festival Internacional de Cine de Tirana. Ha participado con sus proyectos en Sofia Meetings, Midpoint, Torino Film Lab y Priforum. Actualmente trabaja en su segunda película, Luna Park.

He studied film directing and media at the Marubi Film Academy in Tirana. He has worked in numerous short films, promotional videos, television series and documentaries. He works as a programmer for the Tirana International Film Festival. His projects have also been a part of Sofia Meetings, Midpoint, Torino Film Lab and Priforum. He is currently working on his second film, Luna Park.