Director Dhimitër Anagnosti, one of the most prominent figures in Albanian cinema, has passed away at the age of 89. The bitter news was made public by his daughter, Juna Anagnosti, through a post on social media, where she wrote:
"Farewell, Dhimitër Anagnosti, the director of our lives! After a long illness, you obeyed the law of life! Farewell, grandpa!"
Dhimitër Anagnosti was born on January 23, 1936 in Vuno, Himara. After finishing high school in Vlora, he studied at the VGIK Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, where he graduated as a cinematographer. Together with Viktor Gjika, he made the film "Man Never Dies", an adaptation of a story by Ernest Hemingway, which was awarded First Prize at the World Film Schools Festival in the Netherlands in 1961.
His professional career began in 1961 as a cameraman at the "Shqipëria e Re" Kinostudio, where he worked on films such as "Debatik" and "Toka jonë". In 1966, he made his first film as a director, "Komisari i brëtës", together with Viktor Gjika, and a year later, he made the film "Duel i heshtur". In total, Anagnosti has made 14 films and 10 documentaries, becoming known for his treatment of social and historical themes with a special aesthetic.
In addition to his career in cinematography, Dhimitër Anagnosti has also served in the political and cultural fields. He was a member of parliament in the 1990s and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 1992 to 1994. For his extraordinary contribution to art, he has been honored with titles such as "Merited Artist" and "Honor of the Nation". In 2011, he was decorated with the Order "Honor of the Nation" by former President Bamir Topi.
Farewell to a legend of Albanian cinematography
The death of Dhimitër Anagnosti is a great loss for Albanian art and culture. His films will remain a precious asset, which will continue to inspire and educate future generations.
Dhimitër Anagnosti left behind his wife, actress Roza Anagnosti, daughter Juna Anagnosti, his immediate family, and a large community of artists and cinematography students that he mentored throughout his life.
