The artistic level of cinematographic productions in the country and the problems in creativity have become part of various discussions from time to time. The well-known director Mevlan Shanaj “Great Master” says that even though today there is talk of some amazing premieres, nothing is remembered by the public. In one of his reactions, the director Shanaj says that it has been a decade since the artistic film, the one made beautifully and with values, has been missing. Shanaj starts his reaction by bringing to attention the great actor Sandër Prosi, whom he calls a symbol of true cinema. “Sander Prosi! Do you know that there has been no feature film in Albania for 10 years?! According to the media, they appear pompously in amazing premieres, but nothing is noted by the public from these accomplishments! I have not heard any character mentioned or left a mark in the memory of the viewers!”, says the director Shanaj “Mještër i madh” in his reaction, which he also shared on social networks. While calling what is happening an artistic misery, director and actor Melvan Shanaj continues that the flag has fallen on our screen. With quite a bit of criticism, the director says that no one is raising their voice about what is happening with creativity. “Sander, none of the actors of the cinema raise their voice, because of this artistic misery, when I say no one, yes no one! Yes, almost over 97/100 of them are “surprised” that you even forgot this word! Friend of the Albanians! The flag has fallen on the Albanian screen, do you remember that disease of chickens that were dying in mass?! Pooooo, art is dead, creativity is dead! All the professionals of the screen, from the directors who are still breathing and the few dramatists of the film with the spur of the actors who are puffed up with the past, have remained without exception in the field where the ravens let out their voices!”, says the director Mevlan Shanaj, whose reaction to many well-known names of Albanian cinematography, researchers, etc. have also joined. Aleksandër Prosi, popularly known as Sandër Prosi (Shkodër, January 6, 1920 – Durrës, March 25, 1985) was an Albanian theater and cinematographer. He acted in about 30 films, where he created such roles that have entered the fund of our cinematography. For his great help in the development of our stage and cinematographic art, he has been honored with the high title “People’s Artist”, with the Republic Awards and other orders and medals. On the 25th anniversary of the death of the actor Sandër Prosi, the President of the Republic honors him with the “Honour of the Nation” Order. On February 24, 2017, the actor Sandër Prosi was awarded the “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu” order posthumously.
Shanaj in cinematography
Mevlan Shanaj has performed in films such as “The Eighth in Bronze” (1970) directed by Viktor Gjika, “Mountains with Covered Purchases” (1971) directed by Dhimitër Anagnosti, “The Courageous” (1970) directed by Gëzim Erebara, “Roads that seek the sun” ( 1975) directed by Saimir Kumbaro, Rikard Ljarja, “Spring did not come alone” (1988) by Piro Milkani, “I love the Wind” (1991), directed by Albert Minga, etc. His other achievements are the feature films: “Couriers ” (1976), “The Emperor’s Bullet” (1980), “The Unforgettable” (1984), “I See You” (1985), “A Telegram and a Song” (1986), “White Papers” (1990 ), “Red flowers, black flowers” (2003), etc., as well as various documentaries.