The ceremony took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, where hundreds of people – including government officials, filmmakers, artists, academics, and members of the public – gathered to pay their final respects.

The homage began at 10:00 and continued until 13:00, after which Anagnosti’s remains were transported to his birthplace in Vuno, Himara, for burial.

Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony and signed the book of condolences, calling Anagnosti “the father of Albanian cinema” and “a master whose work shaped our national film industry under extremely difficult creative conditions.”

Minister of Culture Blendi Gonxhja, who also paid tribute, said Anagnosti’s passing marked “the physical departure of a giant of directing and art, but one who leaves behind a treasure for all generations.”

Artists and colleagues remembered him with emotion. Actress Marjeta Ljarja said, “He was always our example – quiet, determined, and passionate. His films will be truly unforgettable.”

Director Gëzim Kame praised Anagnosti’s “extraordinary intellect and cultural depth,” while painter Gazmend Leka called the loss “immeasurable,” comparing him to Italian film legend Federico Fellini.

The Albanian government declared September 2 a national day of mourning in his honor, with flags flown at half-mast and all state institutions observing moments of silence and tribute.

Born in 1936 in Vuno, Anagnosti studied cinematography at VGIK, the Soviet State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, from 1954 to 1960. Over a four-decade career, he directed 14 feature films and 10 documentaries, many based on his own screenplays, addressing social, historical, and psychological themes.

Among his most notable works are “The Commissar of Light” (1966), “Silent Duel” (1967), “Old Wounds” (1968), “Mountains Covered in Green” (1971), “The Highland Girl” (1974), “When the Masks Are Removed” (1975), “Poppies on the Wall” (1976), “The Monument” (1977), “In Our Home” (1979), “Brothers and Comrades” (1982), “Stones of My House” (1985), “A Tale from the Past” (1987), “The Return of the Dead Army” (1989), and “Gjoleka, the Son of Abazi”, which won two international awards in Italy.

Anagnosti was honored with numerous national and international awards. In 2011, he received the title “Honor of the Nation” from the President of Albania, the country’s highest civilian distinction.

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By contribution of Sinan Idrizi and support of the Municipality of Vlora and the Central State Film Archive, the evening was dedicated to the master director and screenwriter Piro Milkani.

The Central State Film Archive said that Director Milkani and well-known actors of the Albanian stage and screen were present in the evening: Timo Flloko, Rajmonda Bulku, Ndriçim Xhepa and Kristaq Skrami. Also invited to the event was the well-known actor Nik Xhelilaj, who is a talent discovered by Piro Milkani and has worked closely with him.

The event featured a mix of sequences from Milkani’s most popular films and actors’ stage performances, directed by Kristaq Skrami as well as the execution of film soundtracks by the orchestra led by conductor Oleg Arapi.

Earlier, in context of the cycle “Acknowledgment and honor to the artists of Albanian cinematography” similar events are organized even to filmmakers Dhimitër Anagnosti, Ibrahim Muçaj and Kristaq Mitro./p.s./