On Tuesday, a memorial ceremony was held at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in honor of the renowned director Dhimitër Anagnosti, who passed away at the age of 89.

Figures from the world of art, politics, friends, and family attended the tribute, among them Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In recognition of the artist, the Council of Ministers declared September 2, 2025, a national day of mourning. Across the country, flags were flown at half-mast, while state institutions held commemorations in his memory.

Dhimitër Anagnosti, born on January 23, 1936, in Vuno, Himara, is considered one of the most distinguished figures of Albanian cinematography. Over a career spanning 40 years, he directed 14 feature films, 10 documentaries, and wrote 15 screenplays. He was honored with three Republic Prizes, three Golden Cups at the Albanian Feature Film Festivals, and dozens of national and international awards.

Among his most notable works are the films “Lulëkuqet mbi mure” (Poppies on the Wall), “Përrallë nga e kaluara” (A Tale from the Past), and “Gjoleka, djali i Abazit” (Gjoleka, the Son of Abazi), which remain integral to the collective memory. Beyond cinema, Anagnosti also distinguished himself in literature, publishing the novel “Koburja nga Europa” (The Pistol from Europe, 2017) and the book “Ulliri, pema e dhembjes” (The Olive Tree, the Tree of Pain, 2019).

Honored with the titles “People’s Artist”, “Honor of the Nation”, and the “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” decoration, Anagnosti also left his mark in public life. He was a member of parliament with the Democratic Party in the first pluralist legislature and served as Minister of Culture in 1992.

He was married to the well-known actress Roza Anagnosti, a “Merited Artist”, with whom he shared a lifetime devoted to art.