For the first time in Korça, the documentary “Spaç 1973 – Martyrs of Freedom” was shown, which brought to the public the anti-communist revolt of Spaç prison and the memory of the martyrs of freedom. Directed by the author Besim Ndregjoni, the film is an act of cultural rebellion against oblivion and a living testimony to one of Albania’s greatest wounds in the 20th century.
"The film gives a very big message for democracy today: "Kill fear". A people that kills fear soon gains freedom. If we do not kill fear, we will have truncated freedom as we have for these 35 years," said Ndregjoni.
Through the memories of survivors, the harrowing stories of family members, and archival documents, "Spaç 1973" stands as a monument to those who did not have a grave, but remain alive in everyone's conscience.
"I have a grudge that my father's remains have not been found yet, and this is the biggest grudge," said one of the martyrs' relatives.
Strong evidence was also that of the martyrs' families, one of whom painfully recalled that one of the four shot was his father. He emphasized that he had been only 3 years old when he lost his father, leaving him with a faint and painful memory, while the biggest obstacle remains the fact that his father's remains have not yet been found..
Equally powerful were the stories of survivors like Nevruz Golka and Vaskë Orgoca, who faced the hell of Spaç prison and today testify not to forget.
"The woman was sentenced to 25 years in prison and I was sentenced to death," said one of the survivors.
At a time when Albania has still not found the remains of 6 political executions, "Spaç 1973 - Martyrs of Freedom" is a call not to let memory disappear.
Meanwhile, family members convey a message reminding us that we must overcome fear to be free people and prevent the events of the past from repeating themselves.
