“Treasures of the Adriatic-Albania” by Professor Betany Hughes, a production of the British giant BBC, has shown its pre-premiere in Tirana. Hospitality is a religion, she said in the speech held in the cinema while she revealed her familiarity with Albania. “At first I discovered Albania as a historian, I read about the wonderful sites and the ancient Roman road that connected the east with the west, and I thought I had to come. 15 years ago, we took a boat with my little vases and entered Albania from Corfu, visited Butrint and fell completely in love,” said historian Bettany Hughes.

In 45 minutes, Hughes uncovers the secrets of the Adriatic coast following the footsteps of Julius Caesar, goes to the Roman port of Oricum, displays the archaeological finds of Apollonia and brings stunning images of the fortresses of Kruja, Kanina and Porto Palermo, as well as the peaceful Islam of Berat and the star of David as he dives into the waters of Lin to find the traces of the stilts, all this, at a time when illegal Albanian immigrants in Great Britain provoked political debates.

It was very important for me to make this film to show what Albania really is, because there is a perception of course, a country where there are problems and people want to leave. But it is an extraordinary country, with culture and hospitality. It has changed for the better in these 15 years and I chose for filming the places that gave me different historical dates” said Bettany Hughes. The documentary reveals icons, Onufri, symbols and traces of wars through fantastic views of the sea, mountains and bays. For a historian like Hughes, there are no surprises, and yet, Albania taught her something new.

“I am actually ashamed that I did not know that there were more Jews in Albania at the end of the war than at the beginning, and this is something incredible that must be said. For me, this was a surprise “said Bettany Hughes. The British Ambassador present in this activity spoke about the ties between the two countries and Minister Margariti about the cultural week, while Tourism Minister Kumbaro emphasized Hughes’ positive approach to Albania.

/k.s/