Kiço Blushi, a prominent writer, publicist, playwright, and screenwriter, was born in Korçë. His studies at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Language and Literature, ignited his passion for writing. In 1966, he began working at Albanian Radio and Television, and from 1968 to 1986, he was part of the artistic film editorial office at the “Shqipëria e Re” (New Albania). He quickly became one of the most successful screenwriters, with many of his scripts winning various awards in literary and artistic competitions and at Albanian film festivals. Notably, the script for the film “Beni ecën vetë” (Beni walks on his own) (1975) paved the way for the successful genre of children’s films and won the cup at the First Albanian Film Festival. He received national awards for direction and screenplay, as well as international accolades at the Belgrade Festival (Yugoslavia) and the Giffoni Festival (Italy). Among his successful scripts are: “Pylli i lirisë” (Freedom Wood) (1976), “Tokë e përgjakur” (Bloody Land) (co-author with Nexhati Tafa, 1976), “Koncert në 1936” (Concert in 1936) (1978), and “Në shtëpinë tonë” (In our house) (1979), which received a special award at the 10th International Giffoni Festival (Italy), as well as “Nëntori i dytë” (Second November) (co-author with Dhimitër Shuteriqi, 1982), among others.
He also wrote numerous scripts for documentary films and animated films. In theater, his influence is also evident. From 1987 to 1993, he served as the editor-in-chief of the magazine “Nëntori,” (November) the organ of the Albanian Writers and Artists League. He then dedicated himself to journalism, bravely addressing pressing political and social issues. From 1997 to 2001, he was elected as a deputy in the People’s Assembly. He passed away in 2019. (In the photo: Kiço Blushi)
Text: Josif Papagjoni
Photo: © Union of Albanian Journalists
Graphic processing: AHCF
