On December 22, 2007, the esteemed director Xhanfize Keko passed away.

People’s Artist, the renowned Albanian director and screenwriter, Xhanfize Keko, was born in Gjirokastër on January 27, 1928.

From 1945, Xhanfize Keko began her career as a ticket seller near the “Republika” cinema. Following a specialization in Moscow as an editor, where she forged a lifelong friendship with the renowned director Endri Keko, Xhanfize returned to her homeland in 1952.

The first female filmmaker in Albania, a trailblazer in Albanian children’s films, started her artistic journey in 1952 as an editor and documentary filmmaker. After gaining considerable experience, she ventured into directing in 1971, marking a significant milestone in her career. She commenced her work at the “New Albania” Kinostudio, initially as an editor and later transitioning to the role of a documentary film director.

After accumulating nearly two decades of experience, she directed her first full-length feature film for children. In 1971, filming commenced for the movie “Uprising in the Palace,” which was subsequently released to the public in 1972. Subsequently, she directed several other films including “Mimosa Garter,” “Beni Walks Alone” (awarded the Cup of the First Albanian Film Festival), “Tomka and His Friends,” “After the Tracks,” “A Small Delay,” “Taulanti Is Looking for a Sister,” among others. These films earned her recognition and endearment from both young and adult audiences alike.

Keko could be described as a “first-time” director. Throughout her long professional journey, she created 25 feature films, 12 of which extended her impact beyond national borders. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Albanian director to receive international awards. At the International Film Festival for Children and Young People in Giffoni (Italy), her productions “Beni Walks Alone,” “After the Tracks,” and “Tomka and his Friends” earned medals. In recognition of her contributions to the film industry, she was bestowed with the prestigious title of “People’s Artist” in 1984.

As a tribute to her legacy, the Special Award at the Film Festival for Children and Young People “Giffoni-Albania” is named the “Grand Prize Xhanfize Keko.” Additionally, in recognition of her contributions, the Municipal Council of Gjirokastra bestowed upon her the esteemed title of Honorary Citizen.

On 2018, the British-Irish director Mark Cousins released the documentary titled “Women Make Film,” featuring accomplished female directors worldwide, including Albania’s Xhanfize Keko among the selected filmmakers.

In his exploration of women in cinema, Cousins highlights director Xhanfize Keko’s film, “Tomka and his Friends.” This narrative delves into the miraculous essence of cinema solely through the female perspective, encompassing the essential contributions of Keko, as the first female director in Albania and a pioneer in children’s films.

/m.ll/