Original subtitles

New Albania" Film Studio presents

TOMKA AND HIS FRIENDS

Screenplay-: Nasho Jcrgaqi

Director: Xhanfise Keko

Director of Photography: Faruk Basha

Art Director: Shyqeri Sako

Music Composer: Aleksander Lalo

Sound Designer: Vangjeli Leka

Editor: Shpresa Papapavllo

Producer Nikoilaq Taja

Featuring: Sefiraq Qi II an cl Zehrudin Do'kle

Pavlina 0$a and Xhelal Tafaj

Starring: nea Zhegu as Tomka

Herien Mustafaraj as Vaska

Genz Mosho (Gezim)

Artan Puto as Qelo

Selma Sotirllari (Tefta)

Fluranc Ilia as Guri

The residents and children of Berat

and the People's Army

cooperated in the production of this film,

Music performed by

The Symphonic Orchestra of Radio, TV and Film

Conducted by

Ferdinand Deda



Hey, where'did you find those?

Up there. There are plenty left.

Be careful of the mines!

Right, be careful guys.

Come here, it's not as high.

Bring me Luli,



Run Lull, run.

Come on guys, I'll race you to the machine gun.

Hey, look at this cannon.

Guys, come and see this.

Qelo, let's go see what Tomka found.

Look what I found guys! Hey, look at all this.

Tomka, should I take these too?

Yes, take them.

I found bombs over here!

.

There they are.





-



Watch out, they can explode!







No, they won't.

Let's hide them in my house.

Why your place? I found them first. I have a secret hiding place.

- OK, fine.

Look at what Luli found.

Look at him.

What's he carrying?

Where did he get that? -Probably from out back.

-Come, Luli. -Good boy!

Do you hear that?

Maybe it's an airplane?

I don't think so. An airplane doesn't sound like this.

Maybe it's about to rain.

What are all those trucks down there?

Do you think the Italians are returning?

No, they look like German troops.

Hey, look what I found! What's the matter?

Qelo, look the German convoy is coming. Let's get out of here!

-Should I bring the case? -Yes, but hurry!

Ouch!

-What's the matter? You klutz! -Wait! I stepped on a thorn.

Our partisans are not afraid of bullets and you complain of thorns.

We should hurry.

Hey, kids.

What do you want?

The Germans are coming. Help me hide in your home.

Shut up. Who is he? What does he want?

He wants us to hide him from the Germans.

No way, you're a fascist.

No, fascist. Long live the partisans!

Tomka, he seems OK to me.

Now that the partisans crushed them, they all seem OK. Let's go.

Hey, kids, take it, take it. It's good.

Try them first. They could be broken.

They don't work.

See! I told you!

No, they work. This way. Look.

These are really nice!

They look pretty new. Let me see. I want to try them.

Not now, we need to go. Should we bring him? -Yes!

Not because of the binoculars, but because we captured him. Follow us, soldier!

I no soldier. Antonio..

Come on, Antonio.

Ah, dear sister, one occupier has failed, but another is upon us.

Where are these darn kids?

Hurry, uncle Pilo.

Tomka!

Gezim! We are stumbling over Germans and the kids are nowhere to be found!

-Where could they be? Tomka! -Gezim!

Wife Of Sotir, has Vaska come home?

No he hasn't. I am worried.

Koco, will you come to play at our field?

Gjergi!

Good morning!

Are you coming to play or not?

I'll meet up with you as soon as I pick up some bread.

-Titi. -Yes?

-Are you coming to play? -I'm coming.

-Lenka! -Is everybody going?

-Yes, we are. -What about Tomka?

-He's coming too. -Please, go get Goni.

Hey! Look there!

They've taken over our field.

The only playground we had, and they had to invade it.

Where are we going to play now?

Let's play on the street. After all, the road is ours.

The playground is ours too.

They won't be here long, it belongs to us.

These fascists are the greatest thieves in the World

Let's go.

Thieves!

We're growing up in hard times in a place full of poverty.

The only thing we own with pride is the ground we play on passionately.

Tomka, Qelo, Vaska, and I are four best friends.

Everyday on the field together we play.

Luli, our smart and loyal dog is always at our heels,

together with our goat, whom we all adore.

Our beloved playground occupied by fascists.

turned into a hostile zone leaving us kids to roam.

We will fight for it even though we're just kids.

We hate the occupiers. Freedom is our desire.

Tomka is our leader, the bravest of us all.

We love him and he loves us, with him we feel strong.

Stop! You pigs! Get out of here! Now! Move it!

That's how they'll capture Antonio too.

Come on in.

Antonio!

Where is he?

Antonio, the Germans are detaining all the Italians.

But you won't tell anyone that I'm here?

Don't worry, he's a loyal friend.

Thank you.

Who's there?

Let us in. Good evening.

Come in, son.

-Good evening. -Good evening!

Luan!

-How have you been, mother? -So-so, my son!

-How are you Tomka? -Fine! And you?

I'm well. You should go back to bed.

Still awake? Go to sleep young one.

Where are they taking Antonio? Why won't they tell me?

Are you a gunner?

No, I'm an engineer. I work with explosives, I blow up bridges and barricades.

see.

In the wake of the Italian capitulation,

the National Liberation Army invites all antifascist Italian soldiers to join us.

Yes, I've heard.

Are you ready to fight to the end against the fascists?

Yes, I am. I am dedicated to your cause.

That is good, my son!

I’m glad you feel this way.

I wonder if uncle Tomorr knows who brought Antonio here.

What am I saying? He knows everything that happens.

He has so many secret missions.

If the Germans find out,

they'll send an entire army to capture him.

But he never blinks. He's a brave partisan.

Didn't we agree you would go back to sleep.

Thank you, Tomka! You are a partisan too.

Death to fascism, Antonio!

Freedom to the people!

-Good morning -Good morning

- What are you guys up to? - Nothing much

Here Luli, eat! You are such a good dog.

Good boy. I'll take care of you. Eat up!

-Good morning. -Good morning.

-Tomka, where will we play today? -Just to make them mad, let's go back to our field.

-That's a great idea! -Let's go, just to spite them!

-After all, the field is ours. -Lets go play there.

I'll be the goal keeper!

Where are you going? Go home!

Why? I want to come and play.

Go home and play with dolls! This is boys only!

Vaskal Let's get moving, you're making us late.

Are you heading back or not?

Why are you being so mean to me?

-Pass it over here! -Catch the ball now!

Let's continue our game.

-Tomka, over here. -Don't throw it that way.

Where is your head? Pay attention.

Go get it Luli. Well done, Luli!

What a brave little boy!

What's wrong?

Luli is attacking my goat.

Don't worry, He's just playing. Luli, got away.

Here you go, take it.

It's our field now! Get out of here!

There goes our game.

Forget them. Let's keep playing.

Come, Gof. Go get them!

That's a big dog!

Hold on to your stones. Nobody throws!

Here Gof, come here.

Gof, what kind of a name is that?

They're mistaken if they think they can scare us with a dog.

-We're safe! -Whew! -Let's go home. That's enought for today.

That is one strange looking dog, black as night.

There's no dog like you, Luli.

Come Luli, you're the best.

Carry him.

Look at his pretty spots.

Look who's coming!

Albania for Albanians!

-Death to the traitors! -Bravo, my boys!

Listen to us Albanians. The Balli Kombëtar party lies with every breath.

They are sending us to our death! Tra la la la la la!

You little bastards! Scumbags!

If I catch you little brats, I'm going to give you a good beating!

Tra la La! Catch us if you can!

O Ballists, crooked as a vine, good for eating meat and drinking wine!

0 Ballists, crooked as a vine, good for eating meat and drinking wine!

-What are you kids up to? - Why are you running?

Get them Luli! Run after them!

Shame on-you. picking on kids!

Shame on you, picking on kids!

Get away from me, you little devil!

If I ever catch you . . .

Throw it Tomka!

Hit them Vaska!

Scare them away Luli!

Look at what Luli took!

Good boy, Luli!

Luli, you're the best dog ever!

Look, Luli got one of their hats.

Good for him!

Well done Luli. They deserved it

Guys, let's meet this aternoon outside uncle Ndoni's house.

Good afternoon.

-See you later. "Vasina. -See you later.

Mother, you should've seen what we did to the Ballists.

We called them traitors. They got angry and chased us.

But we were too quick for them.

Luli grabbed, one of their hats.

That is not what I've taught you.

-What are the two of you talking about? -Kid's stuff.

-Bad! -Hello my dear.

What are these explosives doing here?

Was it you who brought them here? Troublemaker!

We'll end up dead soon, the way he's been behaving.

I'll handle it.

See what you did, Luli.

What kind of friend are you that you can't keep a secret?

How could you give me away like that?!

LooK at them. We need bombs to kill them,

but you had to tell on me.

Are you ready? What's wrong?

-Nothing. -Something is bothering you.

-My Dad took away the explosives. -Really?!

Luli dragged them out of hiding.

I told you we were better off hiding them in my attic.

Don't be too sad. I'm sure we'll find some more.

Make sure you get the angle right. Hold them tighter.

Look how nicely this came out.

Wow, look at all these stars.

Nobody on earth has more stars than we do.

I bet the partisans have more stars than us, and probably better stars.

I wonder what kinds of stars they have. I've heard they glow at night.

But who carries the stars, Tomka?

What do you mean? The partisans do.

They wear them on their caps apd their chests, close to their hearts.

I know that.

But, who assigns the stars to those who join the ranks?

The Commissar, who else?

-And the rifle? -The Commander, maybe.

-I dream of being a partisan. -Me too, but kids are not allowed.

Shaban tried to enlist and they said no, and he's older than us.

If I made it to their hideout, I would refuse to leave.

Even if they threatened to beat me.

Don't be a fool.

First of all, partisans aren't mean like that.

Second, how good an army would it be if they filled it with children?

You think it's easy to fight the fascists?

No, 1 don't think it's easy. But can't a boy dream?

War is not fun and games. Now pass me that star!

Put those into the sack too.

It's your mother and Qamile.

Looks like they are sorting clothes.

Push them down all the way.

Tomka?!

The flea market is in town. They plan to sell them.

Please don't treat me like a fool.

Tomka.

Here you go.

Have a safe journey.

Goodbye.

-I want to hear it from you. -What?

Swear on your mother's life that the clothes aren't for the partisans.

You're right, they are.

Tomka, what are you doing? Come down, you'll get hurt.

Are you hurt? -A little.

Let's get out of here.

There's a big battle happening, Qelo.

This is a big battle, isn't it Tomka?

I think they're fighting near Tomorrica.

Listen carefully guys. Do you hear the machine guns?

What do they sound like, Tomka?

Pow, pow!

That's right. Pow, pow!

-Do you hear this one? -Yes!

That is the German machine gun!

-This one is ours! -Hurray! Go partisans!

Guys, you hear it? Those are the partisans cheering!

I don't hear anything.

Listen, they're cheering, "Fight on partisans!"

I think your ears are ringing.

Tomka, do partisans have homes?

Of course they do, high in the mountains, where the eagles fly.

Their homes are hidden.

You fools, partisans have homes everywhere:

-in the mountains, the valleys, here. . . all over the place.

-Here? But the Germans are here?! -So what?!

Join forces with us comrades

We will climb the high mountains

Together to our nesting place

We are the eagle partisans.

-What kind of rifle does Luan have? -I don't know.

Luan is also fighting the Germans?

-Who told you? -No one told me.

Listen, nobody is supposed to know about that, right Tomka?

Uh hmm. What do you say, should we play with the binoculars?

That's a great idea!

Gezim, run and get them. They're in the attic, bring the whole bag.

Take Guri home, while you're at it.

Come Guri, I'm taking you home.

Look over there!

The forest must have caught fire from the bombing.

No, I'm sure those are flames from the houses the Germans set on fire.

-Wow, those are serious flames! -Pass them to me.

Tomka, hurry up. I want to see.

Me too, I want to see what's going on.

Don't forget about me!

Come on, let me have them for a second!

Vaska! Hey Vaska!

Why don't you answer me?

Tefta is calling you.

She never gives up! Always trying to hang out with us!

Tefta, come on.

She's coming.

Vaska thinks only boys can be partisans. But girls can too.

You're right Tefta. Girls are also partisans.

You know what Tefta, Vaska is a bit full of himself

Don't let him get to you.

It's getting dark, time to go.

-Be ready early tomorrow. -Just whistle and I'll come out.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Tomka, did you see Goni?

No, he's not with us.

Goni!

You're late again, I was worried.

-Mother, did you see the fires? -I did my son.

Their days are numbered.

You're all set, sir.

-Good morning. -Good morning, Qelo.

-Here you go. -Thank you. Come back soon.

-Greetings. -Come on in, good to see you.

Who was he?

Who knows, so many new faces coming in lately.

Any news?

Last night, the partisans ambushed a German unit at Zharra Canyon.

The Germans and the Ballists were shocked.

They killed 30 Germans and destroyed 6 cars.

And our side?

The partisans had no losses.

Comrade Tomorr directed us to distribute the newsletter by today.

You're still here? Go on, leave.

What took you so long?

You won't believe what happened last night at the canyon!

The partisans beat the Germans! 200 Germans and 50 cars destroyed!

There's a big sale at the mosque plaza.

Clothes and tools at bargain prices! Don't miss out!

-Should we go take a look? -Let's go.

Where do you thinlk you're going? go home!

It's always the same with you. I'm not going home. I'm coming too.

Do I need to tell you again?

What's the problem? Let her come. Come on Tefta.

It's quality merchandise. Very durable. A bullet couldn't pierce it.

Quality at this price is a steal. Come and get yours.

Shame on you! You stole these from our brothers. How dare you?!

Tomka, you kids shouldn't be here. Gather your friends and head home.

Come and see! Quality merchandise at low prices.

Carpets, blankets, coats, pants. . . Whatever you need!

-How much for this coat? -Three gold franks.

Even at two it's overpriced.

Why don't you say you want it for free then?

Don't tell me you sweat much for this. I'll buy it for two.

-Who's he? Zabit Koshi, he'd sell his father to make a dime.

He's always been a thug.

That plough made the bread we both eat. May your greed strike you blind!

Oh. . . you scoundrels!

Tomka!

Tomka! Auntie Lena!

You've come to play with Tomka?

Why, isn't he here?

Wait, he'll be back soon.

What's your name?

-Gezim. -Gezim. Now, that's a nice name.

Where do you kids play?

-Down there. -At the field?

No, not at the field! It is occupied!

-By whom? -The fascists.

Now that your playground is occupied, where do you play?

-Down there. -Where is that?

-By the road, next to our field. -Next to the German army camp?

Yes.

Aren't you afraid?

Why should we be? It belongs to us. We had it long before them.

You're right, Gezim. That field and all Albania belong to you.

You are the reasons we are fighting this occupation.

Do you miss the playground?

Yes, the stones on that darn road give us blisters a11 the time.

Did you deliver it?

Yes, and he gave me this letter.

-Death to fascism! -Freedom to the people!

Come on, hurry!

Who was that man?

A relative from my father’s village.

Did you see his pistol? It looked, brand new.

-And? -Nothing, just saying.

Listen, don't tell anyone what you just saw at my house.

Why would I? What do you take me for?

Swear, "I'll turn into a fascist if I tell anybody."

I'll turn into a fas. . .fasc. . .fasci. . .

OK

Back at home, there lives a maidien

and she's called Erika

and she's called Erika

That girl is my faithful darling

and my happiness. Erika!

On the heath, there blooms a little flower

and it's called Erika.

Sugar candy, caramel apples. . .

Give me a caramel apple.

Here you go.

Gega!

-Where are you guys going? -The game isn't over yet!

Come here boys.

Gega, what does this buy me?

What should we buy, candy rolls or sticks?

I say, candy rolls.

Candy rolls it is then.

Here you go boys.

I got the smallest one?!

If you keep complaining, I'll give it to Luli.

Qelo, are you guys back in or not?

Sugar candy, caramel apples. Come and get it. . .

Come on Gezim! Hurry!

They're driving us crazy with that "in the homeland, in the homeland. . ."

Let's show them how it's done, with a traditional dance!

Great idea!

Guys, let's gather and dance one of our songs.

You Nazi Germans

are nothing but thieves.

The ground where we play

has been taken from us.

Start the dance Gezim.

Bring it Vaska, Tomka!

We will not submit.

The playground is ours.

Thieves, you are thieves!

All set. Looking good.

-Is everyone here? -Yes.

The ammunition depot is located in the center.

There are others stashed on the perimeter.

We don't know where the pipeline ends.

It might be near the depot.

Petrit, you're in charge of finding out.

See if you can get help from the kids who play there.

OK.

The guard dog will be a problem.

We have to find a way to eliminate him.

Can you get some fast acting poison?

I'll try.

Zharra Canyon was a big loss for them,

their camp is full of injured soldiers.

That's why they doubled their patrols.

It seems no one is guarding the pipeline.

The entrance is secured with an iron gate, that's why they appear calm.

My guess is that it ends just below the depot.

No, it should be somewhere behind it.

We'd probably see it better from the field.

No, it's too risky, it will look suspicious.

Hey Petrit, is the water warm?

-Yes. Tomka, let's swim together. -OK.

Guri, do you want to dig in the sand?

Not now. I'm going for a swim. -Jump Guri! Bravo!

Listen carefully, that pipeline you see runs through their camp,

it must end close to the depot.

Try to find its exact endpoint when you're at the field.

Be careful no one notices you.

Count all the trucks, tanks and heavy artillery,

and note their locations.

Don't worry. Lull, go get it.

Let's continue the game.

Tomka.

What are you looking at?

There's something I have to do.

That's not what friends do. Tell me.

Well, somewhere over there should be the pipeline's end,

but I can't tell from here.

Tomka! Let's play, Luli brought the ball.

-Qelo won the round. -Let's set up for the next round.

-Stop! Stop! -Qelo!

Get out of here you scoundrel!

I just want the ball!

You little pig! You bastard!

Don't come back here again!

Wow, what happened to him?

-Who did this to him? -The Germans.

They will pay for this

Tefta, run home and get some tobacco Run fast, like the wind.

Be back before I count to 100. Run. 1, 2, 3, 4. . .

-Tomka, I saw where the pipeline ends. -Shhh. . . Later.

Where, did you get hurt so badly?

It was one of those ball games, wasn't it?

It's not as bad as it looks. Nana.

Clean him well, dear.

How long did I take?

Till. . . 90.

You'll be OK. worry.

It doesn't hurt much. I'm angry at those cowards for beating us up.

Those jerks, the partisans will teach them a lesson.

We should let them know. Tomka, where's Luan? I'll tell him myself.

They do know, dear Tefta, they know everything.

Take the pitcher and head home now.

-How's your arm? -Better.

Tomka, where do we play now?

-You know what we should do? -What?

We should go count the German cars and cannons.

That doesn't sound like fun.

say we do it.

I bet we can see it all from Ali Beg's terrace.

You know he won't let us.

We should go to uncle Thoma's garden.

He has lots of tall trees.

-Sounds good. -OK, let's go.

Come Luli.

This looks like the highest tree.

Give me a little push here.

Climb, Qelo

Vaska, give me a hand.

Stretch just a little more.

Wow, we've got a clear view.

Gezim, you count the tanks.

The rest of us will count cars. Ok

Don't use ,your hands and don't point.

Hush now.

Tomka, I counted 6 tanks.

-I counted 20. -No, there are 21.

Let's count them again.

- Me too; I counted 20.

I told you so!

Celo, you and Gezim count cannos, Vaska and I will count tents.

Listen, don't tell anyone what we did today.

-I swear on my father's life! -May I turn to stone!

This information is useful to the partisans. Let's go.

Check all the houses!

Communist, where is the communist?

Where is your husband?

Mina, All good this morning?

We're fine, but over at uncle Sali's, they arrested Jace.

Those invaders turned my house upside down.

Same here.

They were retaliating for losing .against the partisans yesterday.

Was last night bad for you?

-Not so bad considering. -And for you?

They searched every corner, but found nothing.

They've made us homeless.

-What did they do to us? -May lightning strike them dead.

Qelo, did they raid your house?

Yes, they skipped no one

Goni's house is still smoking.

They burned down Petrit's house too.

They couldn't defeat the partisans, so they took it out on us.

The residents of Dry Creek heard the celebrations firsthand.

"Go partisans!" "The Germans are done!"

Really? I wish I'd been at my aunt's, just to hear the partisans' voices.

They'll face the same fate as the Italians. It's not easy to fight our partisans.

Now that the partisans have closed in, they have a bird's eye view.

How do you know?

My dad told me. If the partisans wanted to,

they would fire from the top of the mountain and wipe out these brute’s. But they don't

because they worry we could also be killed.

Tomka is coming.

What's up guys?

Tomka, did they raid your place?

Yeah, but they found nothing.

They nearly pierced me with a bayonet.

-Really? -I swear on my life.

-Guys, we'll meet by the river -What for?

-We have an important job to do. -Are we counting soldiers this time?

No, it's a different mission. Qelo, make sure to bring the goat.

-Are your friends ready? -They're waiting for me.

Here is the treat for Gof.

Remember, you are a pioneer now. Be calm before you act, and be careful.

You have nothing to fear, comrade Tomorr.

Death to fascism!

Freedom to the people.

-Luli, go home. -Go, Luli.

What's in your hand, a grenade?

No, it's a treat for Gof.

Why? Has he been a good boy lately?

He will be, when he eats this.

Hurry, we have no time to lose. It's the hour of Gof's patrol.

Vaska, let's go.

Not all at once, it may raise suspicion.

Qelo, take the goat to feed near the camp gate. Keep an eye on the guards.

Vaska, get up in that tree and give us a sign when you see Gof.

Vaska, get up in that tree and give us a sign when you see Gof.

What kind of sign?

Sing like a rooster.

Like this?

I can't sing like a rooster. But I can coo like a dove.

OK, sing like a dove.

-OK. -And me?

You'll come with me to give Gof his treat.

You two go first. We'll head out after.

Where is this darn Gof?

No, he's getting away.

You're scared, huh?

Here, eat it.

Eat it!

Darn, he got away.

Good, he's coming back.

Go now, go.

Hey Vaska, it's done.

Gezim!

Guys!

Tomka!

Goni!

Vaska!

Qelo!

Vaska!

Coming Tefta, coming.!

Not a single word to anyone.

Death to fascism!

Freedom to the people!

THE END