Piro Milkani | |
|---|---|
 Milkani in 2008 | |
| Born | Piro Kristaq Milkani (1939-12-09)9 December 1939 |
| Died | 24 May 2025(2025-05-24) (aged 85) Tirana, Albania |
| Education | Academy of Fine Arts |
| Years active | 1960–2025 |
| Known for | The Lady from the City |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Eno Milkani |
| Awards |  People's Artist |
Piro Kristaq Milkani (9 December 1939 – 24 May 2025) was an Albanian film director, best known for directing two of the most famous Albanian films,The Lady from the City and its sequel.[1] His career inAlbanian cinema has made him be regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time.[2]
Milkani was born on 9 December 1939 inKorçë to Kristaq Milkani and Magalina Kita. After completing his secondary education, he pursued higher studies at theAcademy of Fine Arts inPrague, Czechoslovakia,[3] where he graduated with a degree incinematography.[4] Milkani’s professional journey in film spans decades, during which he directed more than 20 feature films anddocumentaries.[5] Some of his most notable works includeWhen the Day Dawned (1971),The Lady from the City[6] (1976),Face to Face (1979),[7]The Militant (1984),[8] andThe Colors of Age (1990).[9]
Beyond directing, Milkani has made significant contributions toAlbanian cinema as ascreenwriter,cameraman, andfilm producer, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the country’scinematic history. In 2005, Milkani began filmingTheSorrow of Mrs. Schneider[10] in theCzech Republic, a co-production featuring renowned actors from bothAlbanian andCzech cinema,[11] includingNik Xhelilaj,Anna Geislerová, andArta Dobroshi. The film also showcased performances by two prominent figures ofItalian andAlbanian cinema,Michele Placido[12] andVioleta Manushi. Milkani had previously collaborated with Manushi in his acclaimed Albanian filmThe Lady from the City.[13]
Milkani’s older brother, Mihallaq Milkani, was a distinguishednaval officer andprofessor inAlbania. In 1957, at the age of 22, he leftAlbania to study at prestigiousnaval academies inSaint Petersburg andRiga, then part of theSoviet Union. Upon returning, he served in theAlbanian Naval Forces, including duty onsubmarines nearSazan Island, and later taught for nearly a decade at theNaval Academy inVlorë.[14]
On 29 March 2024, Mihallaq lost his life inWorcester, Massachusetts,United States, after being struck by atruck while standing in aparking lot.[15] He was 88 years old. The incident occurred while the truck was reversing. Following his death, Piro Milkani referred to his brother as "the best friend of my life."[16]
His youngest brother Vaskë Milkani died in 1973, at the age of 32.[17]
Milkani was married to renowned Albanianpianist andpedagogue Margarita Kristidhi,[18] affectionately known as “Bebi or Bebi Kristidhi.”[19] The couple met in their youth and remained together throughout their lives, forming one of the most distinguished artistic families inAlbania. Kristidhi, a professor ofpiano at theAcademy of Arts in Tirana, was widely respected in the country'sclassical music scene.[20]
Together, they had a son, Eno Milkani,[21] who followed in his father's footsteps and became afilm director. Father and son later collaborated professionally, most notably in the filmThe Sorrow of Mrs. Schneider (2008), which drew from Piro Milkani's own experiences as a student inPrague.[22] The Milkanis were also known for theircivic engagement. In 2019, the couple participated in a symbolicenvironmental initiative inTirana, donating trees to theGrand Park in the name of their grandchildren.[23]
Milkani died in Tirana on 24 May 2025, at the age of 85.[24][25]
For his outstanding contribution toAlbanian cinema, Piro Milkani was awarded thehonorary title "People's Artist" (Artist i Popullit), one of the highest distinctions granted by theAlbanian state for excellence in the arts.[26]
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