Sulejman Pitarka

Far from the Barbarians

Zena lost her parents as a very young girl, and though she was born in Albania, only knows about life in Paris. She was raised by her uncle Selman, whom she is about to leave behind in order to start a new life in New York. Just before she leave, however, she hears of an Albanian who is being detained by French authorities for want of the proper paperwork. Ordinarily, that would not capture her attention. However, Vladimir, who is the man in question, claims to have information that Zena's father is not dead, and could be located. Zena postpones her trip to speak with Vladimir and, once he is free to travel, they begin to try and explore his information. There is only one problem in their traveling around France together: he doesn't speak a word of French, and she doesn't speak a word of Albanian. Somehow, they manage to communicate, and they eventually become lovers.

The Historian and the Chameleons

1930's. The monarch's insane ambition to prove his descent from an ancient noble family brings a foreign historian to Albania. The foreigner finds himself working with the authorities of an obscure prefecture of the kingdom amongst reprobates and ignoramuses, who make themselves appear ridiculous and detestable by getting caught up in comical situations.

The Small Encirclement

Agron, a new chairman of the district executive committee, feels encircled by authority of his mother in law, Frosa and some relatives and friends, which want to make use of Agron's position for their own interests.

The Bridge Under the Castle

War film written and directed by Rikard Ljarja.

The First Night of Freedom

It is the Fall of 1944. Events take place in the newly liberated Berat. A group of partisans are charged with the task of normalizing the life in the liberated city during this first night of freedom.

The Students of my Class

Math teacher Nora is transferred to work in the gymnasium of a coastal city. Edi, a pupil, openly wants an unmerited good mark in maths. Edi is the son of a director of the executive committee. Nora is worried and cannot agree with Edi and his parents.

Agimet e stinës së madhe

After World War II, the communist party of Albania must rebuild the country and implement the agrarian reform.

On the Eve of Freedom

During WWII, Qemal Orhanaj exposes the attempts of the pseudo-democrats and traitors of the country to create their government backed by the Nazis.

Our Shared House

In the family of Kozma Selita, everyone is fond of their work. Mom Vita is a tailor, his elder son Xhoxhi works at the oil refinery, Aurora is a pharmacist and Vaso works at the oil well. Flonja loves Vaso and wants him to quit his job at the oil well, but he loves his job and cannot accept that.

Face to Face

A translator at the conference of communist parties witnessed the biggest break between the two communist parties. The dramatic events in the military conflict take place on a naval base in Albania, which the Soviets did not dare to adopt. Based on a novel by Ismail Kadare.

On the Track

Film set after World War II. A group of kids notice a shady new resident in their neighborhood.

General Gramophone

Halit Berati, a virtuoso clarinet player, is invited by the Italians to record his music, which is to be sold along Italian records.

Cloaks over Barbed Wire

A film about the Italian troops leaving Vlora and Albanian partisans finally entering the enemy camp.

The New Shelter

Film set in a remote mountainous area where work and living conditions are harsh.

Sounds of War

Bardhi, an orphan boy, goes to the city to work in the house of a rich man, where he learns how to play the violin.

Broad Horizons

In 1968, Horizonte Te Hapura, directed by Viktor Gjika, one of the pioneers of Albanian moviemaking, broke new ground. Its subject matter was contemporary, rather than being a historical piece or an action drama set among the partisans of World War II. In the story, a dockworker sees that a crane, a crucial piece of shipyard equipment, is being endangered by a violent storm, and despite considerable danger to himself works to save it. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

The Discussion

Three years after the fascist occupation, a group of children create the anti-fascist organization called "Debatik". Coli, an orphan boy, manages to become a member.

Furtuna

Story depicting the national liberation struggle of the Albanian people against the Italian and German invaders during World War II.