I bled for the return of the magic of cinema that was missing for three decades

The cinema projector in Gjakova, which was lit for the first time in 1979, was turned off after a decade. During the time of the Serbian regime, it stopped its activity. In the hall that gathered movie lovers, for three decades after that there was no trace of the cinema. But, the works in the last months have returned it to its former function. Now, with a private initiative, the magic of the cinema has returned to this city and it bears the name of the famous actress Hyrije Hana

The hall below the "Asim Vokshi" culture palace in Gjakovë, which used to be a cinema, was out of order for several years and in a bad condition. The projector, which was first switched on in 1979, was switched off after a decade. During the time of the Serbian regime, the cinema stopped its activity. In the hall that gathered movie lovers, for three decades after that there was no trace of the cinema. But, the works in the last months have returned it to its former function.

With private investment, the hall has been repainted in the colors of the cinema. It was named after the icon of acting and distinguished activist, Hyrije Hana. The naming was done in order to perpetuate the name of the actress, who for a period was denied the stage due to her activism. As a member of the Movement for Freedom and National Unity, she was imprisoned several times during her life. But Hana, who was among the pioneer actresses in Kosovo, did not break. Today, her portrait is in front of the entrance to the cinema in the center of Gjakova. Portraits of 16 other actors from Gjakova and those who contributed to the cultural life of this country are also hung in the corridor leading to the cinema seats. The facility, converted into a cinema, is now managed by the "KINO" complex.

Ilire Shala, director of the "Hyrije Hana" cinema, says she is happy that the public has returned the cinema it has been missing for a long time.

With private investment, the hall has been repainted in the colors of the cinema. It was named after the icon of acting and distinguished activist, Hyrije Hana. The naming was done in order to perpetuate the name of the actress, who for a period was denied the stage due to her activism. Today, her portrait is in front of the entrance to the cinema

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"For us as a company, it has been a very ambitious project, connecting with the emotional part of returning to the public the cinema that has been missing for 30 years. I think that this is our ambitious point because we have turned a country that was crap into a very modern country", Shala told KOKHE.

The cinema has decided to light up the screen with an authentic narrative, which is considered a triumph of Kosovar cinematography in the world. On the opening night, on November 28, the hall was full to see the film "Wake up" directed by Blerta Basholli, who is a three-time winner of the great American festival "Sundance Film Festival" and a candidate of Kosovo for "Oscar". . The viewers, who eagerly awaited the cinema, were not absent even on Monday. Ajkune Rama, one of them, said that the opening of the cinema was necessary.

"We have received this decision extremely well. We really needed a cinema because Gjakova is a city of culture", she said.

For some of the viewers a day after the inauguration ceremony, the cinema in the center of the city brought back the nostalgia of their childhood, when Gjakova had two cinemas.

Faton Haxhiavdyli is there, after thirty years together with his family, and he says he will do this more often, since the cinema gives him a special experience of watching movies.

"We welcomed it with great joy because when we were children and young people, the city had two cinemas, which were the center of our entertainment and education. This city has had a dire need to have a cinema", said Haxhiavdyli, before sitting down in one of the seats of the cinema in the center of the city of Gjakova.

"Hyrije Hana" cinema aims to bring the newest films with the latest digital 3D technology, as well as the latest Dolby Surround 5.1 sound technology. In the hall with a capacity of 250 seats, the cinema promises viewers a new experience of the seventh art. Viewers experienced this experience with the story of Fahrije Hoti and the women from Krusha e Madhe, which is reflected in the movie "Woke up" with a script by Doruntina Basha. For day one viewers, the film has been released in four different slots. For the bloodthirsty viewers who have seen it, they have appreciated it as a confrontation with the reality of the past through cinema.

In the hall with a capacity of 250 seats, the cinema promises viewers a new experience of the seventh art

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"I am glad that the cinema is back after a few years. The film was very good and what is treated in the film is true, I am satisfied with the film and the acting of the actors", said Kujtim Berisha, after leaving the "Hyrije Hana" cinema.

The cinema will be open to viewers every day of the week, showing films up to seven times a day. Part of the program of films that will be shown are "James Bond: No Time to Die", "Ghostbusters", "House of Gucci", "Eternals, Queenpins" and others.

Functionalization of cinemas in cities has been an issue addressed over the years, especially since the post-war period. Kosovo lacks a network of cinemas, while new and old cinemas have been operationalized in Prizren and Pejë with the initiatives of private organizations. In 2016, the well-known "Cineplexx" network expanded to Kosovo, with cinemas in Pristina and after three years in Prizren.