Private Project

Zoje

Zoje, an Albanian woman, bore witness to profound tragedy amidst the oppressive regime of Albania's dictatorship. At the tender age of 15, she faced the cruel hand of fate as her father fell victim to the communists' brutality. Zoje found solace in marriage to Gjelosh, from which their son and daughter were born. However, their familial bond was shattered when Gjelosh was unjustly apprehended, and their infant daughter died.

Undeterred by the weight of her grief, Zoje displayed remarkable resilience and unwavering determination. For sixteen years, she navigated the perilous corridors of imprisonment to deliver sustenance and support to her unjustly detained husband, all while shouldering the immense responsibility of caring for her family amidst a climate of persecution.

In the twilight of her life, Zoje entrusted her poignant tales of suffering and perseverance to her daughter, Luljeta Progni—an esteemed figure in journalism, screenwriting, and documentary production. Through Zoje's narrative, Luljeta embarked on a journey to preserve and share these stories, ensuring that the legacy of resilience and fortitude endures for generations to come.

  • Pandeli Ceco
    Director
  • Luljeta Progni
    Writer
  • Luljeta Progni
    Producer
  • Pandeli Ceco
    Producer
  • Valter Dragu
    Key Cast
  • Meli Dragu
    Key Cast
  • Michelle Aura
    Narrator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 3, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Albania
  • Country of Filming:
    Albania
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • AEI Film Festival
    Nicosia
    Cyprus
    June 10, 2024
    Best Photography Award
  • ASTI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    Asti
    Italy
    November 27, 2024
    Italian Premiere
Distribution Information
  • Quick productions
    Distributor
    Country: Albania
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Pandeli Ceco

Pandeli Ceco is a filmmaker renowned for his work across various documentary genres, including human rights, environment and tourism. His expertise encompasses filming, directing, and editing.

His contributions to the cinematic landscape have garnered international recognition, with several of his documentaries being showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide. Notably, his documentary "The White Sheets" (2020) enjoyed screenings at 15 international film festivals, securing three awards. Similarly, "Half Year" (2022) received widespread acclaim, being screened at over 20 international film festivals and garnering five awards.

In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Pandeli Ceco serves as the esteemed founder and director of Travel Fest Albania, an international film festival dedicated to celebrating the intersection of travel, culture, and cinema. More information about the festival can be found at https://travelfestalbania.com

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The documentary film 'Zoje' emerges as a poignant chapter within a series dedicated to chronicling the tumultuous era of communist persecution in Albania. Collaborating alongside my esteemed partner and spouse, the distinguished screenwriter and journalist Luljeta Progni, this project held profound personal significance, because Zoje, happened to be the mother of our esteemed screenwriter, elevating the weight of responsibility.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes where our lenses captured the unfolding narrative, there existed a dissonance—a lamentable contrast between the serene beauty of the surroundings and the harrowing realities that unfolded, reminiscent of infernal depths.

Indeed, women like Zoje epitomize the silent heroes of history, their untold tales of defiance against dictatorship serving as poignant reminders of the enduring power of the human spirit.