In line with their commitment to revitalize services for citizens, the General Directorate of Archives (DPA) inaugurated the Open Theater and Cinema.

In the revamped courtyard of the institution’s building, an inauguration ceremony for the newest cultural space in the capital was held, attended by academics and dozens of students. Present at the event were the General Director of Archives, Ardit Bido, Director of the Central State Film Archive (AQSHF), Marinela Ndria, representative of the State Archives Agency of Kosovo (ASHAK), Shpresa Mekaj, deputy dean of the Faculty of History and Philology, Andi Pinari, as well as historians Eva Tafili Hyskaj and Esmeralda Kolaneci.

In his welcoming address, Bido expressed the intention to transform DPA into an appealing institution for young people.

“We’ve declared this objective since last year. We aim to transform this institution into a space that can attract all forms of creativity, particularly from young individuals. They can come not only to study but also to explore the national archival history and have all the facilities to showcase their talents. I’m pleased that this year, as part of our tradition to conclude the year, we will do it in this environment, the summer cinema, alongside friends of the institution,” stated the head of the DPA.

Next, Ndria took the floor and expressed appreciation for the DPA’s initiative and the ongoing inter-institutional cooperation.

“Thank you, DPA, for this wonderful idea. We have a fruitful cooperation between us. Today, we have materials displaying very beautiful scenes from the history of Albania,” emphasized the head of AQSHF.

Mekaj also held a speech, describing the Open Theater and Cinema as a magnificent environment.

” On behalf of the Archives of Kosovo, I am delighted to greet you all and extend my congratulations on the opening of this magnificent environment. I am curious to know what else Arditi has planned because he seems to have accomplished everything,” highlighted Mekaj.

Meanwhile, Pinari appreciated the ease of access to documents facilitated by the digitization process and the opening of Archival Corners.

“For us, the Archive is like a twin brother because we have exceptional cooperation with them. Your transformation is remarkable. Although you are working tirelessly, everything has become easier for us at the Faculty. We can work online. The first thing I do every morning is to check your page on Facebook and Instagram for new information. The Archive is a true inspiration for us at the Faculty,” said Pinari.

“It’s the final days of the year, and everyone tends to take stock. Reviewing the Archive’s progress reveals remarkable achievements. This new amphitheater/cinema comes as the next surprise, primarily intended as a gift for students of the Department of History. I believe our students will be the most frequent visitors to this amphitheater/cinema,” stated researcher Hyskaj.

“This amphitheater will serve not only students and researchers but also citizens during the summer days, enabling them to explore history through visual means,” concluded Kolaneci.

At the conclusion of the event, several film materials from AQSHF were showcased. Among these short documentaries were fragments from significant films such as “The Siege of Shkodra by Montenegrin Troops” (1913), “Albania 1914” (1914), “View from Albania 1920-1928”, “View from Life in Durrës” (1914), and “The Arrival of Prince Vid” (1914).

The Open Air Theater and Cinema, with a capacity of 140 seats, aims to engage young people by offering a service that combines education with entertainment. This project aligns with the periodic initiatives of the DPA, focusing on enhancing its activities towards preserving and promoting the national historical and cultural heritage.

In 2021, with an investment from the Albanian government, the DPA successfully resolved a longstanding issue spanning over 30 years by inaugurating the new Document Location of the Central State Archive (AQSH) in Shkoza. This new facility provides optimal conditions for the preservation of documentation, covering a space of 1850 square meters across two floors with eight warehouses.

In 2022, the DPA underwent a significant transformation, launching a project to evolve the Archive into a comprehensive cultural complex. The establishment of the Open Air Theater and Cinema marks a milestone within this project, which also includes plans for the opening of the Archival Museum and the creation of an outdoor study environment.

/m.ll/