“Mimoza Llastica”, a classic of Albanian cinema, returns through digital restoration

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media a clip from the film “Mimoza llastica”, whose restoration has recently been completed.

“After 53 years, the film ‘Mimoza llastica’ has returned to where it belongs, to the big screen, restored in 4K. The restoration was carried out on the basis of the original materials preserved by the Central State Film Archive,” Prime Minister Rama wrote.

The film, directed by Xhanfize Keko with a screenplay by Nasho Jorgaqi, was made in 1973, starring Zhaklina Dhimojani, Violeta Manushi, Pavlina Mani, Teuta Doçi and others.

The premiere of the restored film was shown on the closing day of the Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF).

“Mimoza llastica” remains one of the most beloved works of Albanian children’s cinema. Considered one of the founding figures of Albanian cinematography and one of the most important directors of children’s film, Xhanfize Keko brought through this film a sincere, sensitive language close to the world of children, which has continued to communicate with different generations of viewers. Like “Tomka and his friends”, Mimoza’s story has over the years become part of the memory of many generations, keeping its place in the golden fund of Albanian cinema.

This work’s return to the public was made possible thanks to the initiative of the Central State Film Archive, “Adopt a film for restoration”. The restoration was carried out by Augustus Color, Rome, on the basis of the film’s original elements preserved at the Central State Film Archive.

The film features music by the renowned composers Robert Radoja and Aleksandër Lalo.