Dielli | The Sun

Albanian American Newspaper Devoted to the Intellectual and Cultural Advancement of the Albanians in America | Since 1909

THE VIRTUAL KICK OFF NIGHT OF NEW YORK TRUE VENTURE FILM FESTIVAL

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CONVERSATION WITH THE INITIATORS AND ORGANIZERS OF THE PROJECT, ELONA PAJA AND JULIAN BIBA-

by Rafaela PRIFTI-

Last Sunday NEW YORK TRUE VENTURE FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED ITS AWARDS ON LINE. Twelve members of the Jury’s Festival with impressive careers in the movie industry, music and media presented the nominations in two dozen categories ranging from Best Music Video, Screenplay, Director to Best Human Rights, Experimental, Documentary Production and Feature Narrative. Can you talk about the categories?
Elona: The festival received a pretty good number of submissions and obviously for the jury it was difficult to select from some really great entries. During the rating process from each jury member, we noticed very small differences and the decision was made to expand the number of categories and consequently the awards. It ultimately shows appreciation for the filmmaker’s work by a professional jury. To borrow a quote from Walt Disney: “We don’t make movies to make money, we make money to make more movies!” And this is what motivates the independent filmmakers.

The official website of NYTVFF described it as an event dedicated to empowering independent filmmaking. Elona Paja, the Executive Director, and you, as Director of the Festival, have decades of experience in the movie business. How strongly do you feel about your stated misssion for this particular project?

Julian: What brought us together is our passion about cinematography. Obviously we both have our previous experiences in this industry – Elona as a journalist and director of documentaries and TV series; while I have been mostly alternating as a screenwriter,  director and producer. Our partnership fitted all the elements of a film festival project. In the meantime we are cooperating in several productions that are in the pipelines. Elona is ambitious and I like this. She is a great reader of people’s abilities, which is a highly valuable asset. She supports talented people and is constantly in search of new and exciting ideas. Our energy and mindset combined are well suited for the common goal of empowering independent filmmakers.


The First Edition of the Festival and the pre-recorded Award Show premiered virtually on Sunday. In previous interviews you had mentioned that the Festival is the high point of hard work, passion and the pursuit of your dream. How did the event play out in your mind as a red carpet award night?

Julian: I’m lucky to work beside a professional of live shows like Elona, so I didn’t have any doubt that our awards night would be fantastic and very entertaining so that the filmmakers and the audience would want to come back for the next edition’s red carpet awards ceremony. The online presentation I think showed we are serious and ambitious on reaching these goals.


The project was launched late November 2019. You knew that any such endeavour is bound to face and deal with obstacles yet the coronavirus pandemic was truly out of the range of predictions. You had to reschedule the deadline for the submissions and push the date of the awards show from May to September 2020. You held out hope for a live show for months. Can you both describe to me the awards ceremony outside of the pandemic reality – the release of the recorded event versus the live one?

Julian: The awards ceremony was to take place at a magnificent Manhattan venue and we had booked the whole list of performers such as musical bands, singers and dancers who would go in front of a live audience, but the pandemic made it impossible.

Elona: Yet we firmly believe that we shall have our chance on our second edition. It will be the triumphant night of the artists that deserve the audience’s applause for their achievements. One of our ideas is to invite the winners of the Festival’s first edition but this is still in the planning stages for now.


How was the awards show and presentations received online according to comments and reactions? I happened to speak by phone with Elona a few times while she was cutting and editing the video in the late night hours and I could hear the exhaustion in her voice.  

Elona: The online event went even better than we thought it would. Naturally, there were several days of hard work to prepare the whole one and a half hours video that premiered online, but it was well worth it. We got numerous congratulatory messages from the posts and privately on our festival’s Facebook page from winning filmmakers and who were thankful for participating and from many colleagues and friends.

Julian: Here is one of the messages sent by a filmmaker: “Hello people I’m Janer Mena, Thank you for the official selection to Uno Más. For me this recognition is very important because with this film I can visibly show my town and the history of my family. Thanks for the best director award, it’s my first prize and this is my motivation to make more films like Uno Más!”

We felt good about Janer’s and other winners’ success because we are ourselves filmmakers and know what a great motivation is a festival’s prize.

How challenging is it to support independent films and be competitive in the business and in a market that has seen no shortage of indies? Since True Venture is New York based, are you part of or affiliated with any Independent Film Centers in the city or around the country?


Julian: I believe that by giving the filmmakers from all over the world the possibility to screen and compete in NYC and network with other filmmakers, we offer an opportunity to increase their compatibility and exposure with local and international filmmakers. This was our first edition but it is our hope that as we go on  the festival will be embraced by many filmmakers and be recognized by important cinematographic entities, although, the festival is an independent organization as most film festivals around the globe are.

As a filmmaker, screenwriter, director, you have said that the deeper you step into the art of film the more there is to discover and the more you wish to explore. Can you share some of the things that you are discovering and want to further explore in your trade?

Julian: I started my involvement in this industry with script writing before I was asked to direct or to produce or even act. It is a good thing I like challenges. My attitude has always been: “I’ll do it if I know how or I will learn how to do it, so I can get it done!” So, I learn constantly starting from my own mistakes, to collaborating with other professionals, trying new styles of writing, directing or producing. Acting helps me understand how to write a better dialogue in my scripts, whereas directing sharpens my skills on what is doable on the set and what is not. I am fully aware that the art of cinematography is vast and worth discovering.

As an International Film Festival, True Venture received entries from Europe, North and South America, Asia etc. You have said you were impressed with the young Albanian filmmakers from Albania and Kosova and the quality of their artistry as being undistinguished by more established names in the business. What can you tell us about their film debut and their work?

Elona: True Venture received submissions from all over the world. Kosova and Albania were also represented with new and talented filmmakers who were award recipients from other festivals. I say “new filmmakers” because they have been known in the last few years. We recognize the difficulties of film production especially back home. We were proud that the jury of mostly American professionals singled some of them out for their creative work. After all we know it is competitive and it is really tough to stand ou0 in the movie business.

Organizing and managing the production of this scale, even though it was moved online due to the pandemic, requires a different set of skills. What was your previous experience? How did you hone in your abilities to bring the idea of an International Film Festival to fruition? 
Julian: I have worked on film festivals projects and in one of them I have been a member of the jury. In the last four years I have participated in several festivals in US, Canada and Europe where my films were screened. All this is an experience on its own but also gave birth to the idea of a festival where filmmakers can mingle and exchange in a friendly and welcoming environment. As filmmakers this is how we learn from each other and expand our network that often leads in collaborations and progressive future works. We are hardworking people who believe that everything is possible if there is a goodwill of getting things done for the common good.

What is the takeaway from the first edition and what do you anticipate for the next edition?

Julian: First of all we hope not to deal with similar situations such as the pandemic. We like to have experienced guest speakers to talk to the audience on the screening days about certain areas of the industry like: how to write a marketable screenplay; how to find funding and distribute films. All these and more are important for a filmmaker and might be of help to them in their future careers.

You both are Albanian filmmakers who initiated the project that could also elevate Albanian culture and artistic identity. Your aim is not just the launching of the Film Festival but to start off an annual event. Can you elaborate more on your vision for the future?

Julian: This is an international festival and welcomes filmmakers from all over the world. Indeed we are pleased to see Albanians participants. This not only elevates our culture and artistic identity but we hope it would help filmmakers in our home country to get proper recognition and support from the governments as well, which would lead to more and better films as a practice that has been proven successful for some countries in the Balkan region. 
Congratulations and Good Luck! 
 
To check out the nominations, winners and the awards night, go to the NYTVFF Facebook link: www.facebook.com/NYTVFF

Or on YouTube: 
https://youtu.be/nmS29UIlDEw

FATOS AND ILIR BYTYQI THANKFUL TO REPRESENTATIVE ZELDININ THEIR FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

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By RAFAELA PRIFTI-Fatos and Ilir Bytyqi are aware of the long road to justice for their three brothers, US citizens who were murdered in the Republic of Serbia in July 1999. Last year,their Representative Lee Zeldin authored House Resolution 32 in partnership with Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The measure was reintroduced byCongressmen Eliot Engel and Lee Zeldin to push the Serbian government and Serbian war crimes prosecutor tocarry out justice and hold the perpetrators accountable.As part of a panel, Ilir Bytyqi testified at a hearing on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in April 2019. On a phone conversation, Fatos Bytyqi told me that he and hisbrother, Ilir have been meeting with Representative Zeldin in New York and Washington DC from the time he entered Congress.Mr. Bytyqi said that “Serbian authorities are aware and in possession of evidence of the crimes in this case, yet they employ maneuvers and spread disinformation to not bring the murderers to justice.” In his view, the Resolution is a strong measure that pressures Serbia’s government to carry out properinvestigations instead of continuing with the pattern of not prosecuting Serbian war criminals responsible for crimes against the people of Kosova. Fatos Bytyqi recalled Representative Engel’s statement delivered on the House flooras Resolution was introduced last year:”Approaching three years ago, the Belgrade-based Humanitarian Law Center released a dossier detailing the murder of nearly 1,000 Kosovars, killed by Serbs in Kosovo, then transported to Serbia and dumped in a mass grave. The US government has raised this atrocity with the Serbian war crimes prosecutor, but – once again – no one has been held accountable.”

On the 20th anniversary of the murders,Representatives Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Eliot Engel (D, NY-16), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reintroduced legislation calling for justice in the executions of Congressional District 1 residents, Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi, who resided in Hampton Bays, New York, having passed legislation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee last year.Both representatives have strongly supported the measure and its significance in the relations between United States and Serbia. In a statement, Chairman Engel has said: “The United States’ relationship with Serbia depends on Serbia’s adherence to the rule of law and human rights, and commitment to prosecute horrendous criminal cases such as this.”

Ilir Bytyqi, whois actively demandingjustice in this case and advocating for the victims, attended the reception for Ranking Member Zeldin held in midtown Manhattan. Representative Zeldin reaffirmed his commitment that “the Bytyqi brothers gave their lives to fight injustice; now, we must secure justice for them.” He reiterated the position expressed by the US State Department through the Embassythat “Obtaining justice for the Bytyqi brothers remains a priority in our bilateral relationship with Serbia.”In a statement issued by US Embassy in Belgrade, in July 2018, it said: The United States government again calls on Serbian authorities, who have promised to assist in this case over the years, for a resolution to this case. Both brothers expressed gratitude to the representatives of Albanian community and organizations that have rallied demanding justice.

Dielli is publishing the remarks of Ilir Bytyqi at the fundraising reception in honor of Congressman Lee Zeldin hosted by Evi Kokalari at 3 West Club in Manhattan on August 18.

Evi Kokolari friends and family,

I would like to take this moment to thank each and every one for attending this event to support our elected official to be our voice for the voiceless and hope for the hopeless. As you all know, tragedy struck my family at the hands of Serbian government 21 years ago. It has devastated my family all these years. The battle for justice hasn’t been easy, though the support has been there.

Thanks to friends and family the American-Albanian community organizations many of you are here present today and members of Congress as representative in Washington DC Lee Zeldin  we have achieved a great deal of progress 

Congressman Lee Zeldin and his amazing staff have supported my family on each and every aspect. He never knows how to say NO!  He is always on the go and will continue to do so not only for my family but the Suffolk County. I believe that Lee Zeldin is the right Representative to represent Suffolk in Congress.

PS. Dielli received no response to requests for interview with Congressman Lee Zeldin by the time the paper went to print.

“KOSOVA TO HAVE REPRESENTATIVE AT STATE DEPARTMENT” ANNOUNCE MINISTERS HARADINAJ-STUBLLA AND SELIMI

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By Rafaela Prifti-

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosova Meliza Hardinaj – Stublla and the Minister of Justice of Kosova Selim Selimi, have begun a round of meetings with high-level government officials in the nation’s capital. Today both ministers confirmed on Facebook their joint meeting with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the State Department, Matthew Palmer. Minister Haradinaj-Stublla announced that a representative of Kosova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be send to the US State Department on her Facebook post:

“The Republic of Kosovo for the first time in political history, will be able to send the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the American State Department. This was confirmed during the meeting of Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Euroasia, Matthew Palmer.

The close coordination of our foreign policy with the US, and the professionalization of the Foreign Service according to the highest international and diplomatic practices remains our common dedication.

We discussed with Mr. Palmer also dialogue with Serbia, where together with Justice Minister Selim Selimi we stressed that only under the American leadership, the dialogue will have the right dynamics and clarity to end with mutual recognition at existing borders, preserving the unitary character and the constitutional orderof Republic of Kosovo.

Kosovo is determined in advance of special relations and permanent friendship with the US and always loyal to the strategic interests of the friend state.”

On his Facebook account, Kosova’s Minister of Justice Selim Selimi called it a “content meeting”:

“Today in Washington, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla, a content meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Euroasia, Matthew Palmer, for intensification of Kosovo’s state agenda in the approach of our country with Euro-Atlantic family, progress in empowering the rule of law and opening a new dynamic for reaching a comprehensive legally obligatory agreement with recognition at existing borders between Kosovo and Serbia.

Without America’s co-ordination and guarantee, it is difficult to reach any stable agreement. The active role and support of the US, as our strategic allies, is irreplaceable to close all issues open with Serbia.”

Minister Haradinaj-Stublla and Minister Selimi reconfirmed their strong faith in the American leadership to lead Kosova-Serbia dialogue resulting in mutual recognition. Each will continue with a full agenda of high-level meetings in Washington DC.  

ALBANIAN RYDER CUP IN ITS 10th YEAR STAYS IN NEW YORK – BUT THAT’S ONLY PART OF THE STORY

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By Rafaela Prifti-

In its 10th year, the Albanian Ryder Cup tournament contended with the Coronavirus pandemic and hurricane Isaias perhaps foreshadowing the future of community events defined by dignity, respect and pertinence in testing times. At least one team member believes that in the future, there might be a junior event or a girls’ edition for the Albanian youth. Next year’s competition will be held in August in Wisconsin, whereas an all-star team from both groups will pair together to compete against Albanians from Europe in Germany in 2021 for the Inaugural Kastrioti Cup.                

Embracing the opportunity to cover the 2020 tournament edition played over three courses at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York from August 2 to 5 between NY and Detroit teams, I had the chance to interview New York team captains Zef Gjelaj and Sokol Selmani, and Detroit Team Co-Captain Gjon Sinishtaj, in addition to communicating with New York Team Coordinator Mark Curanaj, and members Pashk Berisha and Mark Tushaj. In terms of golf events, through the middle of the last decade, Dielli has covered fundraising efforts to support building the Mother Theresa Cathedral in Prishtina led by members of Vatra Council like Anton Raja along with Board members like Simon Qafa and others. This compilation of conversations on this week’s four-day golf tournament presents a brief history of the event originating in 2011, some highlights of the dramatic moments of the recent competition, exemplifies ways of adapting to new challenges of social gatherings and location adjustments, but above all it shows the power of human bonds. Each one of the golfers I talked to, valued the excitement of the game and the integrity of friendship. They also expressed their wish to pass down this gift to the younger Albanian generation.          

The captain of New York team, Zef Gjelaj, said that this is his 8th year in a tournament that runs continuously for 10 years. “This year is the first time NY team won back to back and more interesting the first time the team won cup on home course. Calling it “our NY team”, Mr. Gjelaj said that golfers’ backgrounds are from Albania, Kosova, Montenegro and vary in range from 21 to 65 years old. He was proud of their great chemistry, adding that most of them were friends before they started playing golf. In fact, over the years, they have played together for so long, the team has become ‘a golf family.” I asked how he carries out the functions of the captain for the New York team. “I don’t say much, only except to remind them to work together. To not care for individual success because we will win as a team. “Individual commitment to a group effort that is what makes a team work” is our guiding principle,” said Mr. Gjelaj. He described with excitement the clinching of the tournament by the first year player Christian Dedvukaj who made a 7 foot putt in the last hole 18 par 5 and also the team’s MVP who is none other than two-time Champion of Dancing With the Stars, Driton Dovolani known to all as Toni Dovolani.

For Pashk Berisha of the New York team participating in the tournament as a team compounds the pressure on the player yet it increases the intensity and thrill of the sport. “Playing as a team in an annual tournament is very rewarding because you are representing your team and in this case your community as well.  It is pressure packed and thrilling because you are playing for your team mates and community not just for yourself.  It’s a much different feeling when your team mates rely on you and vice versa so the pressure is amplified many fold,” said Mr. Berisha. When describing how different this year’s tournament was in the pandemic situation, he said that they had to change the venue from Whistling Straits to Turning Stone, where they had to abide by social distancing and mask restrictions.  “It limited the time we spent together outside smoking cigars and telling jokes because they would not allow gatherings,” commented Pashk, who explained that unlike previous years when the teams would get together in the evenings and spend hours as a group, this year the socializing was very limited due to pandemic. As far as the event, he noted that the early years had seen many controversies whereas the last few years it’s gone pretty smoothly. “The teams,” contented Mr. Berisha, “have developed friendships and bonds that will be long lasting. The competition is very serious but it has become more of an event with competitive golf than just a competition. Winning is very important but it is not the only goal; competitive golf played with integrity, dignity and respect in a gentlemanly manner that will make our community proud.”

Mark Curanaj, the New York Team Coordinator indicated to me that there are 100 Albanian golf players in the Tri-State area. While I am aware that Albanians have brought to their adopted country the passion for the popular sport of soccer, I wondered about the extent of golf’s popularity with the older demographics in the community. I asked him how he got into gold and if perhaps Mark’s father or any elderly family members who came from Montenegro were into golf. I heard him laugh cheerfully admitting that none of them particularly cared for golf. Then he explained that growing up in Westchester, meant that golf is part of your life. I asked about the discipline it requires mentally as well as physically.  Mark reinforced the point of mental toughness of the sport that is a natural ability more than a trained feature. He laid out the history of the Albanian Ryder Cup, created by two longtime friends Tony Gjokaj and Luvigji Lucaj from New York and Michigan respectively. “In the first iteration in 2011, eight players gathered from each state and played 54 holes over two days at Shephards Hollow in Michigan. Curanaj, who is the New York team coordinator, recalled “the two dramatic putts on the final hole singles match between Marko Gjolaj and Martin Vulaj that galvanized the cup and the bonds that continue today’ as he put it. It ended in a tie. Since then the format has remained the same. The only adjustment has been the increased participation which has seen the number of golfers swell from 16 to 28, making 14 on each side. Each year the venue rotates between the two states and each side has added or removed players. The current teams have remained unchanged in the last five years. In the course of the five years, the best golfer on both teams with over 70% win of his matches is Shkelqim Kukaj. New York team has been led by outstanding performances by Sokol Selmani, Zef Gjelaj, Toni Dovolani and Paul Martini, who have won over 70% of their matches, whereas the Michigan team has been led by Mark Kalaj, Mark Berishaj, Gjon Sinishtaj and Anton Sinishtaj. New York has had the cup three of the last five years and was the first team to retain it after a 14-14 tie last week,” said Mr. Curanaj. He described the 2020 edition played over three courses at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York from August 2 to 5 for each team. Toni Dovolani, two time MVP and Mark Tushaj were undefeated for New York team. Team members raved about rookie and last-minute replacement, Christian Dedvukaj, who won two matches. In true golf commentator fashion, NY Team Coordinator remarked “Michigan was led by three undefeated individuals Mark Kalaj, Mark Berishaj and Dennis Perkaj, also MVP for Team Michigan. Team Captains Lou Lucaj and Gjon Sinishtaj. New York held a one point lead after the first day four ball matches. Here is how the local team got the 4-3 lead: Three matches ended on the 18th hole par 5 in dramatic fashion when Christian Dedvukaj got up and down from 40 yards for birdie to seal a victory and Sokol Selmani finished the final 3 holes: birdie, par, birdie after being down 2 with 3 to play.” In day two of the tournament, he said “we decided to play the alternate shot matches during tropical storm Isiais.” Acknowledging that this year’s golf was unique considering the conditions, Mr. Curanaj remarked that New York managed to split the seven points and maintain the one point lead going into the final day of singles.  “On singles day there were 14 points on the line, NY shot out to an early lead owing to putts made by Sokol Selmani, Toni Dovolani, Tony Gjokaj and Mark Tushaj. Michigan was able to win 5 of the final 6 matches thanks to impressive performances by Zef Deda. Marko Gjolaj, Dennis Perkaj, Mark Berishaj and Mark Kalaj. The final result 14-14. As previous year’s winner, New York retained the Cup, in accordance with the rules. Christian Dedvukaj, Rookie of the Year, made a Cup clinching 7 foot putt on the 18th to win his match and retain the Cup. Each team has 4 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties, as the home team has yet to win on its own turf,” commented Mr. Curanaj. While there is much focus on the competition like at any sporting event, Mark Curanaj and his fellow golfers value the “camaraderie and respect displayed and earned” at the event as defining features of the first decade of the tournament. In response to my question about next year’s event, Mr. Curanaj said that the Cup will be contested at Whistling Straits, with future venues including some of the world’s finest gold resorts Pinehurst, Sea Island and Streamstrong. In terms of future events, the team coordinator said that though 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-related issues, an all-star team from this large group will pair together to compete against Albanians from Europe in Europe at some point in 2021 for the Inaugural Kastrioti Cup, guided by Florim Bajraktari. 

For Mark Tushaj, such an event helps the community of golfers who love to participate and non-golfers who generate interest and are drawn to it, by reaching out to ask about it. “Aside from the 28 participants, 14 in each team, there are dozens of Albanians who would love to be part of it. It has really created a positive buzz in the community” To my question about sharing the excitement of the game now and in the future, Mr. Tushaj said that the hope is that “the event will continue into the next generation of young Albanian golfers. Perhaps we can develop a junior event or even a girl’s event for our youth.” He defined golf “as a great game that requires focus, independence and confidence, as well as athletic ability. The game of golf and this tournament would be a wonderful gift to give to our children.”  

Gjon Sinishtaj, co-Captain of Michigan team, shared that same sentiment. I asked him to relate what he appreciates most about the game. Without hesitation, he answered ‘Friendship building!” and having a unique opportunity to meet with fellow Albanians that he would not have the chance of encountering in life. He said that he regards them as “brothers’ and is proud to be part of a unique brotherhood.

Noting the impact of the pandemic, Sokol Selmani, Captain of New York Team, explained that they had to make adjustments and the original location was moved from Whistling Straits to Turning Stone, where he added “the team had never won” in prior competitions. Despite the changes and the wearing of the masks indoors as required, Mr. Selmani said that the team did not allow that to affect the good mood of the event. Echoing the fellow golfers on both teams, captain Selmani underlined that when the round is over they shake hands and sit together cheering for their team in a respectful manner, and when everyone is done competing they go to dinner together where in typical fashion one tries to pay the bill before someone else gets to take care of it and, when the tournament ends they hug everyone while wishing each other good trip home. He made sure to credit Mark Curanaj, for making all the arrangements from flights to sleeping quarters, from tee time reservations to dinners, thus allowing the team to focus on golf. Indeed in the course of the interviews I observed that each one credited the other team member for their role in the event and in the team. In its tenth year, the Albanian Ryder Cup stayed in New York, but I hope the golf culture spreads throughout the community.     

Below is the list of members: Team Michigan: Lou Lucaj – Captain Gjon Sinishtaj – Captain Luki Lucaj Luvigji Lucaj Gjon (John) Lucaj Kujtim Sinishtaj Mark Berishaj Marko Gjolaj Dennis Perkaj Nick Palushaj Zef Deda Anton Sinishtaj Frank Gjinaj Mark Kalaj

Team NY: Sokol Selmani – Captain Zef Gjelaj – Captain Mark Curanaj Martin Curanaj Pashk Berisha Simon Hajdaraj Florim Bajraktari Mark Tushaj Tony Gjokaj Shkelqim Kukaj Christian Dedvukaj Leon Gjoni Toni (Driton) Dovolani Paul Martini

HOW WE HONOR REGIS PHILBIN

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By Rafaela Prifti-

“Regis Philbin was class act who brought warmth, humor and wit to audiences for decades, and was a fine representation of both The Bronx residents and the Albanian community.” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for DIELLI.

Regis Philbin, American TV personality and icon passed away from natural causes at 88. Quickly after, the family made the announcement, a spokesperson expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love they have received and invited people to make donations to help the needy in his beloved New York.

In paying tribute to him, it behooves our community to honor the Albanian ancestry of Regis Philbin, as the son of Filomena Boscia, and grandson of Nicolamaria Boscia going all the way back to Francesco Boscia born in 1761 in Greci, Avellino, Campania, Italy.

In this article, I have reproduced his mother’s side of the family tree.  

Born on August 25, 1931, in the Bronx, Regis Francis Xavier Philbin, attended local schools and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School. After receiving a sociology major from Notre Dame, Philbin joined the US Navy. In the 50s, Regis started working at local TV stations in California first as a stagehand then a news writer and years later a news anchor in San Diego, before gaining national exposure as a TV host. He moved to New York as a star of local morning television. In 1988 Regis teamed up with co-host Kathy Lee to have a national broadcast of the show. In 2001, Kelly Ripa was announced as the official replacement and went on to co-host the high-ranking program for another decade. Ripa paid tribute to her mentor Regis Philbin on the show by remembering Joy, his wife of 50 years and daughters J.J. and Joanna. His former wife Catherine Faylen, daughter Amy and son Daniel, who died in 2014. The crew also honored Regis as a “national treasure”. As a TV personality, Regis lived a good amount of his life in front of the camera. He was endowed with a gift of a charming storyteller. Philbin shared so much of his experiences, encounters and family stories with worldwide audiences. Most of his guests and people in his circle were aware of his Irish father roots. In fact, he was named after his father’s alma mater, Manhattan’s Regis High School.

Though Philbin had mentioned his Albanian ancestry from his mother’s side, and even pronounced a few Albanian words he learned from her as a child, he brought a complete family genealogy on the set of the show in 2010. His mother, Filomena was born in Manhattan whereas his grandmother Nicolamaria came from Greci, Italy and died in the Bronx in 1934. Holding a family tree poster on the set, an exited Regis Philbin, revealed that his mother’s side were forced to leave the home country, Albania, centuries ago and cross the Adriatic to settle in Italy in a small village called Greci. Through numerous records going back hundreds of years, it has been established that Greci was one of the settlements of the Arberesh community, early Albanian population that was forced out of Albania beginning in the last century of the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that a considerable number of the Arberesh community who have crossed the ocean and numerous families who live in the New York area originate from the same village. One documented example is the family of the former Congressman Joe DioGuardi. In fact, Philbin acknowledged the relation when he presented the genealogy diagram to his guest on the show, Kara DioGuardi, daughter of JoeDioguardi, whom he referred to as “distant cousin”. I was able to reproduce the family origins of Regis Philbin for the readers. *

Regis Philbin had a long and successful careers for decades leaving an indelieable imprint on American culture. He reached the hearts and minds of millions of Americans as host of Morning Shows and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. He has been honored with Emmy awards and acknowledged by his peers, and received his Hall of Fame induction in 2006. 

It is upon us to honor Regis Philbin and his Albanian ancestry.

Regis Philbin – Walk of Fame in the Home Borough of the Bronx

The Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr., who has hosted Albania Independence Day last November and has persistently honored the Albanian-American community as well as our historical and cultural personalities at varous events, frequently refers to the Bronx native, Regis Philbin.

“Regis Philbin was not only one the most recognizable media personalities of our time, but he never forgot his roots and was in the first class of inductees honored on the Bronx Walk of Fame in 1997,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for DIELLI. “Regis Philbin was class act who brought warmth, humor and wit to audiences for decades, and was a fine representation of both The Bronx residents and the Albanian community.”

Regis Philbin Walk of Fame sign is located on the corner of 153st and Grand Concourse, right by his alma mater Cardinal Hayes High School in his home borough of the Bronx.