Bernard Kokalari.
Actor, director of the “Zihni Sako” Theater of Estrada, Gjirokater, and one of the founders of this institution.
Born in Gjirokaster on December 30, 1934. Continued all the cycles of education in the schools of his hometown, until the completion of the “Asim Zeneli” gymnasium, famous for the high quality of teaching and the standard of education. Graduated in 1963 from the “Aleksander Moisiu” high school. 
During his years of study at the high school for actors, Bernard would get to know Bukuroshe, his future wife, also an actress of the Gjirokastër Theater. His career would first start near the “Teatri Popullor” where he would perform in several premieres set on stage. Only one year later, at the request of his hometown, he would move to Gjirokaster, where until 1967 he would work as a director of Estrada Professioniste, making 12 premieres.
Thanks to his work, commitment and ability, in January 1968 Bernard Kokalari was appointed head of the Professional Theatre, a position he held until his retirement. During 20 years in this position, he would realize 46 premieres of the genre of comedy and drama. The high professional training would bring his participation and representation in 4 theater festivals where he was evaluated with a third prize as well as personal diplomas. Of course, his ambitions would not end here, since in parallel Bernard Kokalari contributed with his direction to the Folklore Festivals, or the organization of the big concerts that took place at that time in the city’s stadium, on the occasion of the celebration of the festival participants.
As a man who has “loved” his profession, Kokalari has been an integral part of the individual assistance in the theater groups of various enterprises with which he has performed 7 premieres.
In the movie "Mountains with covered purchase"
During his career, Bernard Kokalari has also been part of the cinematography where he has been active in several feature films.
In 1971, he played the role of a wedding boy in the film “Malet me blerim mbuluar”, which stands out for the joke “…that when you have nowhere to hang it, hang it on the hook of the mustache”, in the dialogue with the other actor Myqerem Ferra (uncle Lame).
In 1978, he played in the film “Spring in Gjirokaster” as the director and in 1979 he was the screenwriter of the television film “Shterngata ne mal”!
For his indisputable merits, he has been evaluated: “Honorary Citizen” of Gjirokastra, with the title “Andon Zako Çajupi”, decorated with the title “Grand Master”, evaluated with the order “Naim Frasheri” 2nd class, while a series of diplomas or The letters of praise are many pieces of appreciation for his hard work, dedicated precisely to this theater and the artistic life in the city, without ever feeling tired, and for which we are all grateful today.
The artist Robert Kokalari, passed away on December 3, 2024!
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Albanian Cinematography in activity since 2013
Reference: The official website of the Theater “Zihni Sako”, Gjirokaster on Facebook as well as a selection of online information.
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