Paulin Selimi (1947-2013)
Teacher, writer, one of the golden pens of Albanian humor!
He remained one of the best humor writers, not only for Shkodra, but also for Albania as well.
Was born in Shkodër (in the G`juhadol district) on November 19, 1947. In Shkodër, he finished 7th grade and high school, and also after his higher studies at the Faculty of Language and Literature in Tirana in 1969. He never thought that he would become a writer of humor because he had much better skills in language-literature, since he was young, he was interested in poetry. Two well-known poets, Xhevahir Spahiu and Spiro Dede, then students (two years older than Paulini), pushed him into the field of humor, telling him that precisely in this genre “he is the one”. So, they became those who pushed him on the path of humor. At this time, Paulini starts writing humor, not just for fun.
He made his first creations in Kukës with director Ndoc Cefa. It should be emphasized that in this period of time, as he himself stated, “I start with writing” so that people could understand it in order to bring it to the city.
This is where the path of the master begins, which continued with the stage, radio and television throughout Albania.
There is no variety show in Albania that Paulini has not collaborated with, but “without a name” because at that time the author’s name was never published.
The actor was introduced, but the director was behind the scenes, even the creation a few years ago, called “After the haystack” nobody knew that it was by P. Selimi and that it was directed by prof. Serafin Fanko.
Many people remember Zef Deda’s famous sketch “Comrade Xhemal`s Brother-in-law” and few know who its author is, except in Shkodër, where he is known as the number one Shkodran humorist. This comedy skit (known by Albanian as “Xhemal katunari”), “Kola of the lights”, “Cousin from America”, “Come on Mom”, “Idriz in prison”, “Retirees”, “Coli and Loli” “, “Tom Dushku”, “The Aids has come” etc. etc. carry the signature of the well-known Paulin Selimi.
He wrote his first articles when he was a student, in 1965, in the newspaper “Studenti”. There were a series of feuilletons and pamphlets, which were like sporadic writings, not that he had developed the conviction that he would become a writer.
Selimi starts with skits, stories, novellas and then connects to variety shows, writing skits, monologues, comedies, from where the skillful interpretation of professional actors brings him a special pleasure. 
Selimi wrote his first book in 1972, and by coincidence, he had the great writer Dritëro Agolli as a reviewer, who made it possible for the book to pass the publishing censorship. The first presentation of this book was made with 6000 copies, which were sold very quickly. For this, the great cartoonist Tef Palushi also had a special merit, who illustrated the cover of the book with a high artistic level and very modern for the time, which ensnared the readers who rushed to buy it. 
In the press of the time as well as in books, there are about 300 humorous stories published, some of which have been translated into foreign languages, especially Bulgarian.
He has never stopped finding beautiful subjects to put on stage with different bodies while working with comedy film scripts. The reward for his creative work was the decoration given to him in 2002 by the President of the Republic with the Golden “Naim Frashëri” Order for literary creativity.
This gold medal is not the only one received during a long career. Thus, in the years ’81, ’84, ’87 and ’89 he receives national awards and decorations for his books.
Paulini has also received many other different national awards for volumes with stories, sketches, etc. Selimi is the author of several books with humorous stories, among which are: “Ready Orchestra” published in 1972, “A sketch for myself” published in 1977, “Resident of the upper class” published in 1981, “It can’t be see the face only in the mirror” published in 1985, “The right of the first night” (two editions) 1994, “Cock duel” 1997, republished in 1999, “The visit of the old wolf”, humorous creations published in 2004. In 2008, he was awarded the title of “Gratitude of the City” by the municipal council of Shkodra.
Paulin Selimi has worked as a literature teacher for many years, and since 2002 he has been the director of the artistic high school “Prenkë Jakova” in Shkodër.
From 1991-2001, he was the Chairman of the League of Artists of Shkodra.
Passed away on January 23, 2013 at the age of 66.
The exclusive is dated March 18, 2013 on the Albanian Cinema page on Facebook and was reviewed in January 2015.
LINK: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1033554196704448&type=3
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Albanian Cinematography a public page active since 2013.
Reference: Interview of the artist in 2005 & Paulin Selimi Facebook.
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