TIRANA, September 30, 2025 – On National Cultural Heritage Day, RTSH’s program “Në Kohë Reale” [In Real Time], moderated by Florian Gjini, dedicated a special segment to Albanian filmmakers and actors who passed away in 2025. The tribute highlighted Dhimitër Anagnosti, Pirro Milkani, Enver Petrovci, and Naum Shundi, and explored challenges for the younger generation of artists.

Guests included acclaimed actress Rajmonda Bulku and director-screenwriter Ilir Harxhi.

Bulku reflected on working with these masters and emphasized that their legacy outweighs their physical absence. She described Anagnosti and Milkani as major figures of Albanian cinema whose work shaped the country’s cultural identity. She highlighted the lasting impact of their contributions and encouraged pride in the works they left behind.

Bulku recalled the extensive support the state once provided for film production, citing the movie “Ballë për Ballë” [Face to Face], which used the full national fleet for filming.

Harxhi called their work a “school for future generations”. He noted that they could have achieved international fame comparable to Al Pacino or Robert De Niro if given opportunities beyond Albania. He specifically mentioned Enver Petrovci, selected for “A Few Dirty Ones 2”, who could not realize his international ambitions.

Bulku acknowledged the high costs young filmmakers face today compared with past decades, when the state fully funded projects. She encouraged new artists to be bold and pursue international auditions.

She also admitted to previously judging the younger generation unfairly but recognized her mistakes and noted that many young filmmakers produce high-quality work.

Harxhi concluded that audience habits have changed. Cinema once represented a lifestyle, but television and social media now fragment attention, reducing public engagement with films.

/a.p./