Kosovo postage stamp year 2013 Bekim Fehmiu – actor MNH**
Bekim Fehmiu was a prominent actor from Kosovo, renowned for his significant contributions to both Yugoslav and international cinema. Born on June 1, 1936, in Sarajevo to an ethnic Albanian family, Fehmiu’s early life was marked by a series of relocations, ultimately settling in Prizren, Kosovo. He began his acting career at the County Popular Theatre in Pristina and later graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade in 1960.
Career Highlights
Fehmiu’s career spanned several decades, during which he became one of the first Eastern European actors to achieve recognition in Hollywood during the Cold War. His breakout role came in the 1967 film I Even Met Happy Gypsies (Skupljaci Perja), which was nominated for a Palme d’Or at Cannes and an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He appeared in over 40 films and television series, including notable works such as:
- The Odyssey (1968) – Portrayed Odysseus
- The Adventurers (1970) – Played Dax Xenos
- La Voce (1982) – Acted as Nikola Boyaxhiu, the father of Mother Teresa.
Throughout his career, Fehmiu collaborated with renowned filmmakers and actors, including John Huston and Ava Gardner2. Despite facing challenges due to political tensions in Yugoslavia, he maintained a strong presence in both theater and film.
Personal Life and Legacy
Fehmiu was married to Serbian actress Branka Petrić, with whom he had two sons. His life took a tragic turn when he died by suicide on June 15, 2010. His legacy continues to resonate within the cultural landscape of Kosovo and Serbia, symbolizing the complex relations between the two communities.In recent years, Fehmiu’s life has been the subject of documentaries that explore his impact on cinema and his role as a cultural icon. The documentary titled Bekim Fehmiu, directed by Valmir Tertini, highlights his achievements and struggles throughout his career1. His contributions to film have not only shaped Albanian cinema but also left an indelible mark on the broader narrative of Yugoslav culture.
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