The legendary movie version of the immortal novel was presented in a version recently updated by Film Archives technicians with Albanian subtitles.

Marika Dhonato, the long-term active member of the expat community and former sixties student in Czechoslovakia opened the gathering. She pointed out the importance of Hašek´s novel as well as the character of Švejk for the Albanians, the novel being one of the few anti-totalitarian works that escaped the Hoxha régime censorship. The unique humor and specific way Švejk used to face the military routine as well as absurd situations, provided many Albanians an escape from the extremely pressing reality.

Hašek´s writings are simultaneously subject to deep reflection and interpretation in the cultural community as reflected in the substantive debate prior to the screening.

The event was attended by both high school students and devoted expat community members that took the opportunity to refresh their intimate knowledge of famous Hašek´s catchphrases.