Agim Shuka (April 1942–May 20, 1992) Was a famous Albanian film and stage actor.

Early life and Family origins

Agim Shuka was born in April of 1942 in Kuçovë, Albania, which is in the Berat county. He is the child of Kozma Shuka and Kristina Leka and had an older brother, Vasil Shuka (1939–1995). His mother, Kristina, was the daughter of Dhoksani Leka. She was from the Mangalem neighbourhood in Berat. His father, Kozma Shuka, and his paternal family (Shuka), had their origins in Vokopole,^[1] a village in Berat. Agim and his family were of the Orthodox Christian faith. Agim can trace his ancestry back to his great-grandfather Nasi Shuka and his grandfather Koli Nasi Shuka. It is said that Nasi Shuka and his brothers, Josif Shuka and Koçi Shuka came to Vokopola from Moscopole, to escape persecution.^[2] They chose the village of Vokopola due to the fact the village was Orthodox Christian like the family. His uncle Toli Shuka, opened the first cinema in Kuçovë, now known as "Kinema Kadri Roshi," . Toli was a Partisan from Kuçovë who died in the 2nd World War due to Ballist forces killing him; he became a war hero due to his bravery in the war. Toli gained a street in Kuçovë named after him as a sign of respect from the town.^[3] His other uncle, Fani Shuka, helped raise the Albanian flag of independence in Vokopola, which represented the city of Berat, in 1912 with fellow patriot Kostandin Gjorga, who was a delegate of Ismail Qemali, and fellow family member Tili Shuka. Fani also took part in the Vlora war in 1920 against the Italians, killing one, as he lived in Vlore during this time period. Agim lost his father Kozma Shuka at a young age, therefore only growing up with his mother Kristina and brother Vasil mainly throughout his youth. Agim was always passionate about acting and eventually pursued his dreams.

Education

After graduating from the Higher Institute of Arts (today the Academy of Arts), he started working as an actor in the People's Theatre (today the National Theatre) and later as a lecturer at the Higher Institute of Arts (today the Academy of Arts)

His first film role was "Dini" in Oshtimim në bregdet in 1966. Other film roles would continue, such as the role of "Bashkim" in Old Wounds in 1969; "Sandri" in In the Beginning of Summer in 1975; the role of the Albanian Commissioner of the Naval Base in Face to Face; "Musa" in Militant in 1984, etc. His most recent role was as Anila's father in A Boy and A Girl in 1990.

Personal life and family life

He married Fedra Pilika from Korçë, moved to Vlore with her, and had two kids with her. Orli Shuka (1976) and Iris Shuka (1979), the family, moved to Tirana afterwards, where he lived out the rest of his life and amazing acting career.

Agim Shuka died in 1992 due to a brutal attack against him. He did not survive.^[4] The police never discovered why these events occurred.

His brother, Vasil, died three years later due to similar violence.

Filmography

1990—Fletë të bardha .............................Kryetari i Kooperativës^[5][6]

1990—Një djalë edhe një vajzë ...............................Babai i Anilës ^[7]

1988—Shkëlqimi i përkohëshëm ...............................Trajneri^[8]

1988—Treni niset në shtatë pa pesë ........................Doktori^[9]

1987—Telefoni i një mëngjesi ...............................Dhimitri^[10]

1986—Dy herë mat............................................Shefi i Policisë^[11]

1986—Rrethimi i vogël..............................Faiku, Sekretari i Partisë së Rrethit^[12]

1985—Të shoh në sy ...............................Zv/Drejtori^[13]

1984—Militanti .................................................Musai^[14]

1984—Taulanti kërkon një motër ............................Gëzimi^[15]

1982—Shi në plazh teatër-komedi.............................Daja^[16]

1982—nëntori i dytë ..........................................Jani Minga^[17]

1980—Një ndodhi në port .....................................Inxhinieri i laboratorit^[18]

1980—Vëllezër dhe shokë .....................................Dania,nallbani i fshatit^[19]

1979—Ballë për ballë .....................................Komisari Shqiptar i Bazës^[20]

1979—Përtej mureve të gurta ................................Doktor Xhema^[21]

1978—I treti .........................................Gëzimi^[22]

1978—Vajzat me kordele të kuqe ............................Mësuesi i Historisë^[23]

1975—Në fillim të verës .......................................Sandri^[24]

1969—Plagë të vjetra ..........................................Bashkimi^[25]

1966—Oshëtim në bregdet ...................................Dini^[26]

References