By Vangjush Saro
As the stars of Albanian cinema and theater leave us one by one, the void they create in the history and art of this country becomes increasingly evident. Despite modest dimensions and opportunities, they have left behind a wealth of artistic works and an abundance of honored, unforgettable names. Among them shines the light of Jani Riza, a star of Albanian theater and cinema. Coming from a family that contributed greatly to the stage and screen, he wrote his own remarkable story, albeit within a limited time due to fate.
I have always wanted to share something about Jani, the brilliant actor who was deeply passionate about the stage and film, and at the same time, so unique in the creations he presented to the public. He had very little time to fulfill the difficult task before him, but he succeeded, because that’s what happens with talents, with stars; they always manage to shine. Jani Riza gave everything of himself to Albanian theater and film; he enriched them with striking roles that did not repeat one another. Although a fatal accident took him away too soon from life and his loved ones, as well as from film and theater, he left behind a whole gallery of characters, created with effort and sacrifice, with hard work, will, and perseverance, perhaps even capturing more and more space on screen and stage, as if he knew what fate had in store for him.
He had a stern appearance, giving the impression of a ‘strong,’ tough man. But he was so gentle, friendly, tolerant, and understanding, always tireless. Jani was one of those actors who created characters and transformed his stature and behavior from film to film, from performance to performance. I will focus on just a few of his contributions on screen. In ‘The Early Years,’ he portrayed the character of Dalipi, a young man from the village, a volunteer in the drainage of the Maliqi marsh, a boy in love with life, naive, uneducated but eager to learn, always full of hope and enthusiasm. His performance was so simple, unique, without pretensions, convincing and impactful all at once. In ‘The Dawn of the Great Season,’ in a completely different register, Jani Riza again created a highly interesting character, unlike those he had presented to the public before: a man who has left behind longing and loss in communist Albania and comes to overthrow the unwanted regime at any cost.
Brave, fierce, suspicious, always searching for a way out; deep within that character lies the sorrow of the failures of the time in question. Only a great artist could convey this. In ‘Confrontation,’ Jani created one of the most brilliant characters in Albanian cinema, the kulak Xhezo. Impulsive, stubborn, but when necessary also clever and cunning, he was unrestrained, always wearing an expression of dissatisfaction on his face, ultimately showcasing the face of a wealthy peasant who, let’s be honest, was always in trouble.
In ‘The Small Siege,’ Jani Riza again presented a character completely different from his previous roles. He played a simple man, a driver by profession, part of a close-knit group of friends bonded by a long-standing, genuine friendship. He is perhaps the most natural among them—playful, sincere, someone who doesn’t know how to pretend, the first to arrive at the table and equally devoted to his family.
Having worked for some time at the ‘New Albania’ Film Studio, contributing modestly yet valuably to my creative endeavors, I had the opportunity to meet a number of actors and other artists in film. Most of them came from rural areas, seeking a role; for auditions; for filming. Sometimes they participated in dubbing, with negligible fees. They sacrificed often, facing scripts that no one could turn into good films! Moreover, nothing progressed without giving something more of oneself, leaving family waiting at home. That’s what we all did. That’s what Jani did too, who, despite being ready to fall into character on stage and during filming, had his mind on his loved ones: his wife, Fili, and their daughters.
A few words beyond the roles. The human aspect is an important part of the life and career of every artist. I was a high school student when I met Jani; he would visit our neighbors, the family of his fiancée (his future wife) Fili, a well-known radio journalist from Korçë. Often, together they would pass by our gate, greeting neighbors and acquaintances with kindness. Even though he was becoming a very famous and sought-after actor, he presented himself modestly, without any pretentiousness. Jani truly radiated warmth, and this was first evident in his beautiful eyes. It is no exaggeration to say that among those who were saddest about his untimely departure were the residents of that street, where he would come to seek his great love, then slowly walk away, smiling at everyone; dear, kind, noble. He commanded respect.
Albanian cinema and theater have now lost many of their stars. Both cinema and theater are undergoing a similar transition, like the rest of the country. It seems that the stars of that time, the stars of every era, still illuminate the stages and cafés, the halls and streets, the parks and libraries—everywhere people, actors, and audiences gather to discuss art. Among those stars, Jani Riza shines and will always shine with the smile of a warm-hearted man and artist, a professional and creator, who still seems to have one eye on the camera and the other on his family.
EDITED by:
“KORÇA BOOM”