Tirana, October 28 – The Norwegian Film Institute in Oslo will show three films by Albanian director Xhanfise Keko for the first time. The homage starts on October 30 at the Oslo Cinematheque. Audiences will watch 74 minutes in Albanian.

Organizers said they will begin with “Tomka and His Friends” (1977). The film tells how a group of boys plans and carries out a sabotage action against occupying forces in their playground. Next, they will show “Beni Walks on His Own” on October 31 and “When a Film Was Shot” on November 2.

Organizers described Keko as a director who combined social intelligence with poetic style under strict censorship. They noted that she gained late but deserved international recognition through festivals, screenings in cinemateques, and mentions by British documentary filmmaker Mark Cousins.

Keko a co-founder of the film studio “New Albania”. She made over 25 films between 1952 and 1984. Organizers highlighted her skill in portraying children realistically and artistically.

They said this is the first time her films reach Norway. They added that they ensured the screenings would introduce her work effectively to Norwegian audiences.

/a.p./