Yesterday, on 12 Feb. 07, the father of my closest friend died at the old age of 79. I cannot claim to have known him very well, but the sad occasion helped me get a clearer understanding of his contribution toward my country’s culture and most importantly as the man that he was.
My friend’s father had been sick and for about one year had had difficulty speaking so, whenever I was visiting, our encounters were limited to just glances, as I would often go straight to my friend’s room. Nevertheless, I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to meet him in person and to have learned about him through one of his own sons, a very dear friend to me.
That is why, most all of what I know about my friend’s father was through our discussions which at first were generated by my curiosity from the extensive library of books in their house. His father’s collection of books was the result of years of personal study and work in writing, translating, teaching and producing some of the first Albanian films.
My friend’s father was a nationally and, to some degree, internationally renowned Albanian film director and producer. His contribution to the country’s cinematographic establishment and evolution continues to be invaluable. For me, those who still revered him as a great producer, friend, coworker, author and translator again testified to that man’s contribution to the Albanian society. But as it regards my personal perspective and opinion of his contribution, I would have to say that he must have been a great father! His name was Gezim Erebara.
Copyright (c) Albanian Blogger 2007
