On September 29, 2007, Albania lost one of its few auteur directors, Serafin Fanko.

Fanko studied film directing at the Academy of Arts in Prague. After returning to Albania, he built his profile in film and attended the specialized school “Aleksandër Moisiu.”

He worked as a director at the “Migjeni” Theater in Shkodër, developing his distinctive style.

Fanko directed around 125 performances in theaters across Shkodër, Tirana, Skopje, Durrës, Gjakova, Struga, and Fier. He was known for his approach to drama and his broad stage culture, harmonizing theatrical elements in his productions. His style shone in works such as “Fisheku në pajë,” “Këshilli i ndrikullave,” and “Toka jonë,” which resonated with audiences.

In the late 1970s, he founded the Poetic Theater at the “Migjeni” Theater. Fanko wrote 12 plays and won several national awards. In recognition of his contributions, he received the titles “Honorary Citizen of Shkodër” and “People’s Artist.”

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