Ferdinand Karuni (1947-2020)
Cinematographer of chronicle and documentary films.
He was born in Korce on April 14, 1947. Karuni completed his military studies as an officer and specialized at Kinostudio as an operator. It started with the filming of the chronicles of the armed forces under the direction of veteran cinematographer Jani Nano.
His first film shot in the military units was through the infected terrain in 1969. In 1972, he worked as a cameraman, where he first shot newsreels and in 1973, the first documentary film “Pig factory meat”.
Alternatively, he shoots by himself or co-authors many films with military themes: “Chemists”; “When the sirens sound”; “Anti-territorial artillery” as well as portraits of soldiers and officers. Within 10 years (1975-1985) he shot nearly 40 chronicle and documentary films, of which 10 independently, such as:
“In Kelmend and the mountain village”; “It was talked there with riffle and pen for Albania” (1977); “Dances of Alps” (1981); “Boys of the cobblestone alleys” (1983); “When we talk about poetry” (1984); “Yesterday without sun, today without night” honored with an award.
In 1984, it was transferred to the cinematographic sector of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 
Other films we can mention: “Soldier’s Hygiene” (1970); “We defend ourselves by attacking” (1971); “Volunteer in metallurgy” (1975); “Dry lands” (1981); “Innovative Brigade” (1983); “A life near people” (1984); “Let my mother know” (1984); as well as about 35 other chronic films shot together with other operators.
That’s how we can’t forget a few dozens of news articles. At the beginning of the 90s, he returned again as a cinematographer at the Armed Forces Film Center, where he shot many other films with events from the life and activities of the armed forces, such as: “Albania towards NATO”. “The fate of the soldier”; “Army`s Wind Orchestra”; “The broken history of the submarines”; “Pilot of two skies” etc.
After the 90s, Ferdinandi was a pioneer engaged in the newborn activity of private audiovisual media. He was a cameraman and director of photography since the founding of TVA, where he produced with his colleagues a number of chronicles, documentaries and broadcasts and helped in the professional growth of many young people, who today are key figures in private television. Ferdinand Karuni has collaborated or created projects with other televisions such as “Gjelivizion”, “Neser” TV, “Tirana” TV and “Telenorba”.
His activity continues even in 2000 where he focused on private media productions, and together with the screenwriter and his friend, Ilia Dede, produced many documentaries with portrait, historical, ethno-cultural or social themes, where stand out: “Emathja – the cradle of a nation” or ” Adriana Elini” of “Frasheri Brothers”.
Ferdinandi has created and collaborated as a cinematographer or director of photography in projects of a variety of topics, formats and audiences, ranging from chronicles of contemporary social problems, historical ethno-cultural documentaries to political talk-shows and films for children and “puppet shows” as in the case of Cufo’s (by Gaqo Bushakes and directed by Gert Izeti).
Karuni passed away on October 27, 2020.
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Albanian Cinematography in activity since 2013
Reference: “Encyclopedia of Albanian Cinematography” – Toena 2002 / A. T Hoxha / p. 187; Additional information, corrections from the daughter of the now deceased Mr. Ferdinand, Enkeleida Casey.
The photos are @copyright of the Karuni family and Mrs. Enkeleida Casey, whom we thank wholeheartedly!
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