An artistic documentary highlighting the extraordinary life and work of Hollywood actor Bekim Fehmiu, directed by Valmir Tertini, premiered at Manhattan's "Producer Club," owned by Alfred Tollja, a staunch supporter of Albanian art and culture.
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The screening of the documentary in the heart of Manhattan was made possible through the collaboration of TV "Alba Life," founded and produced by Mr. Qemal Zylo, the Albanian American Association "Skënderbej" Inc., under the care of Mr. Fation Zogiani, with board members including president Mr. Mark Qehaja and chairman Mr. Gëzim Lamcaj, organizer and moderator artist and director Diar Xani, among others, Diaspora repots.
The flyer listed sponsors such as TV "Alba Life," the Albanian American Association "Skenderbej" Inc., General Asllan Bushati, Mr. Agim Aliçkaj, BrightSide Adult Center, Sergio's Restaurant, Paesano of Mulberry Street, among others.
National activists, artists, businessmen, high-profile personalities, diplomats, filled the seats to witness the documentary about the legendary Albanian artist Bekim Fehmiu.
Before the documentary began, Mr. Diar Xani addressed the audience, welcoming them and extending his wishes for "Happy Independence Day of Kosovo," expressing pride that the documentary was being showcased on this sacred day for Kosovo. Kosovo's Diplomat and Consul in Manhattan, Mr. Fatmir Zajmi, greeted the attendees, director Valmir Tertini, and wished them a happy Independence Day.
Director Valmir Tertini, who came specifically for this day from Albania with his gracious wife, was warmly welcomed with applause from art enthusiasts. He thanked them for their participation and expressed gratitude for following the documentary on Bekim Fehmiu, scripted by journalist Fahri Musliu. He also thanked the Albanian National Cinematography Center for financing this artistic documentary.
The full documentary on the tragic experiences surrounding Bekim Fehmiu's death was emotionally compelling, especially through his wife Branka Petrić Fehmiu's narrative.
As I watched and listened to Branka on the screen, I recalled the news reports from Albanian and international media about how Bekim Fehmiu was found dead in his apartment in Zvezdara, Belgrade. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic stated that suicide is suspected, as the shots came from a firearm registered in his name. He died at the age of 74.
His noble and cultured brother, patriot Arsim Fehmiu, shared the family history, the saga of the Fehmiu family, an excellent narrative brought by screenwriter Fahri Musliu.
The magic of his roles with extraordinary artists, from dramatic to intimate artistic roles with world-renowned actresses like Claudia Cardinale, and accolades from Albanian greats like Roza Anagnosti, Timo Flloko, Piro Milkani, Enver Petrovci, Goran Marković, was captured on screen.
He remained one of the few Albanian actors to have starred in globally renowned films and series such as "Odyssey," "The Adventurers," "The Road," "The Hot Years," and "The Deserter."
Following the screening, TV "Alba Life" conducted exclusive interviews, including with documentary director Valmir Tertini, who was inspired by Fahri Musliu's book.
We worked hard to bring this documentary to the Albanian and global audience about the life of the icon of world cinema, Bekim Fehmiu. We met with his wife Branka, his brother, and delved into various archives. He played significant roles in the film "The Puppets' Gathering," nominated for an Oscar, gaining immense fame, while the television series "Odyssey" (1968) elevated him to a pedestal, dubbed as the Homeric Actor and praised by powerful art personalities.
Director Tertini, hailing from Kosovo, briefly shared his life story and artistic journey. Valmir Tertini is the recipient of several prestigious international film awards. He was born in Gjakova on April 26, 1993.
He mentioned having other projects in the pipeline and working to complete them.
Before the cameras of TV "Alba Life," renowned artists such as Blerim Gjoci from Hollywood were invited, who stated that he had met Bekim Fehmiu and had coffee with him for several days. "I was inspired by his greatness as an Albanian, by his ideas, by his lessons. I am proud to have known him up close, and extremely proud that our Kosovar Albanian reached the highest peaks of world art."
Renowned actor Luan Bexheti thanked director Tertini for this accomplished documentary and shared memories with Bekim Fehmiu and his son Ulis. He had acted in films with his son and stated that Ulis was deeply Albanian in spirit and heart.
Another promising artist, Shpend Xani, shared his memories and inspiration drawn from the legend Bekim Fehmiu. "We learned about his roles at the University, and I affirm that Bekim Fehmiu in cinema and Aleksandër Moisiu in theater are the two geniuses of Albanian art that no Albanian artist has surpassed to this day."
Artist and director Diar Xani, as the organizer, expressed pride before the cameras that this documentary was showcased at the "Producer Club" and would continue for his next projects.
Fation Zogejani, one of the organizers, expressed his dedication to promoting the great artist Bekim Fehmiu on the 16th Anniversary of Kosovo's Independence. He also expressed deep regret that Albanians did not have the opportunity to cast Bekim Fehmiu in any Albanian films.
Soon, TV "Alba Life," with cameraman and staff member, the renowned journalist from Kosovo Valon Gërbeshi, will present a chronicle specifically for this significant day of promoting the Bekim Fehmiu documentary for broadcast on television channels.