Our Past Events

Homeland through the lens of Elena Dorfman 

Rafaela Prifti

Sunday's discussion with the renowned artist Elena Dorfman captivated the audience of the Fan Noli Cultural Center in an afternoon filled with art, heritage and inspiration.

In the cozy reception room, art admirers engaged with their fellow Albanian American from the moment her family pictures popped up on the screen. Her Bostonian roots going all the way to Korce sparked her lifelong artistic journey of exploring Albania’s history and  identity. Through photography, mixed media, woven textiles, and the use of gold, silver, and palladium, she brought the artistry and complexity of the communist era film industry to life.

The discussion, injected with video images, touched on themes of grief, family memory, and her enduring connecdtion to the maternal homeland. With persistence and diligence, she initiated and carried out the preservation of some eighty Kinostudio films of the Cold War Era. The films were facing their doom on the floor of the then Film Archive. Honoring the directors and artists of the time, while also decoding the ideological messages of the movies, Elena alongside her husband Paul O'Brian, produced the triptych The Dream and the Lie - an experimental film with a universal resonance about art and propaganda.

A rainy Sunday afternoon turned into a delightful event with friends who enjoyed Elena Dorfman's fascinating story and her extraordinary vision.

Enjoy these photos capturing the spirit of the event taken by Sandra Kosta, as well as Artan Malaj. 

What an incredible, fun-filled day at our first Kids Festival in Quincy!

It was wonderful seeing old friends reconnect, kids making new friends, and families enjoying a beautiful day together. The scrumptious gelato and byrek from Ice & Dough were a huge hit, the pizzas from Brother’s Roast Beef and Pizza Quincy location were delicious. Eagles Soccer Academy graciously set up the soccer field for us. We all tip our hats to Ed Braunstein aka Chester the Balloon Jester who kept smiles on kids’ faces for four straight hours without a break!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our talented and tireless organizers — and their husbands — for showing what our community can accomplish together.

Please enjoy photos taken by Subi Cako, Sandra Kosta and Enkela Klosi

Seeing so many Albanian American first responders together was truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and service they provide to our communities. They represent the very finest of the Albanian American community.

One of the most exciting outcomes of this event was the discussion about forming an Albanian American First Responders Society of Massachusetts. This organization would bring together Albanian American police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, corrections officers, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals to build camaraderie, mentorship, networking, and community service opportunities across Massachusetts.

Special thanks to Detective Jacqueline Marku of the NYPD Illyrian Society for her encouragement, leadership, and support in helping spark this important initiative.

A heartfelt thank you to the Sons of St. George for their help in organizing this special event, and to Chris and Phillipe for generously providing the food for the BBQ. And a very special thank you to Genti, our grill master, who kept everyone well fed throughout the day!

If you or someone you know is a first responder and would like to be part of this effort, please email us at fannoliculturalcenter@gmail.com with contact information.

Together, we continue building community, connection, and pride in service.

Please enjoy Subi Cako’s photos of the event...

Ledia Xhoga Captivates at Fan Noli’s Virtual Cultural Event

Rafaela Prifti

Ledia Xhoga brought the rich landscape of Misinterpretation to the Fan Noli Cultural Center and Library in a virtual event last Sunday afternoon, April 26. The 2025 Booker Prize nominated author walked us through her haunting story of an Albanian woman in present day New York, a character defined by susceptibility to other people’s pain.  Misreadings anchor the mini-plots of her debut novel, weaving the nuances of translation into the complexities of human intimacy. Thanks to her authentic storytelling and warmth, it was an afternoon of literary discovery and wonder that truly deserves an Encore!

Real places - Raw emotions! Sunday’s book talk revealed just how much reality grounds Ledia Xhoga’s fiction. From the streets of New York to the historic castle of Berat, Albania, the story’s locations, right down to the specific hotel of the town, are places readers can visit both on the page and in person. Even the bridge on the Slovakian-Hungarian border, a question put to the author by Director Bob Tochka, is real. 

The novel’s Albanian-ness is woven into gestures, dialogue, and in the silences. Her narrative captures these subtle nuances with striking intensity that it is no surprise she has already been approached for film adaptations.

Please enjoy Artan Malaj’s photos of the event...

The 1st Annual Building Bridges in Finance was held at Bentley College. The Building Bridges program connects, mentors, and empowers the next generation of Albanian Americans. Many thanks to the professionals who took the time to share their experience in and knowledge of the finance and banking field, and to the students (and families) who attended. 

More Building Bridges opportunities are coming this spring: Law, Teaching, Public Safety, and Engineering & Tech.

Sign up for updates or suggest new professions click the link here: https://forms.gle/B8yjRD2Au7MhvTGk6 

The Fan Noli Library and Cultural Center and St. George Cathedral welcomed Ambassador William Walker, renowned diplomat and author of Reçak: Story of a War Crime.  Rarely are we given the opportunity to meet heroes who have changed the course of history. Ambassador Walker is one of them, a man who, with his courage and determination, influenced the just outcome of the Kosova war.  This special gathering was moderated by Rafela Prifti who drew the audience into the author’s story, guiding them to feel and reflect on the deeper message the book carries today.

This was the Noli Cultural Center’s inaugural book series event honoring the legacy of the distinguished Albanian brothers Peter and Naum Prifti. The series is a tribute to the Prifti brothers' role as prominent chroniclers of the Albanian experience and their shared intellectual legacy. Collectively, their work is deeply intertwined with the Kosova and Albanian cause. Enjoy the photos from this historic event (photography by Subi Cako).

The 1st Annual Pie Festival, sponsored by the Fan S. Noli Cultural Center and the Daughters of St. George Cathedral, was a tremendous success! More than 30 pies were baked and donated for this celebration of our culinary heritage. It was a truly extraordinary event, made possible by the talent, generosity, and love for tradition of the members of our community. A team of dedicated judges took on the very difficult task of tasting and scoring all the tantalizing entries.

Congratulations to our category winners:

• Leek Byrek – Roberta Panarati
• Spinach Byrek – Kristen Savage
• Squash Byrek – Adriana Stefani Kuruni

And to our Overall Winner for Best Byrek – Roberta Panarati!

The day was enhanced by the spirited St. George dancers and the talented Arjan Papa who got everyone singing with gusto.

We thank all those who helped make this festival a success.  Special thanks to Pizzeria 260 and to the VATRA Adult Day Health Center/ Mother Teresa of Salem Adult Day Health Center for their constant support of our community activities. We are also grateful for Subi Cako who captured the joy and celebration of the day in photos.

We look forward to making next year’s Pie Festival even bigger and better!  

The 2nd Annual Building Bridges in Healthcare was held at the South Boston Public Library. This initiative connects, mentors, and empowers the next generation of Albanian Americans. Huge thanks to the Building Bridges: Healthcare Board, the professionals who shared their journeys in the healthcare field, and the students (and families) who attended with hope and purpose. Enjoy these beautiful moments sharing the heart and vision of the series.

More series are coming this spring: Financial Industry, Law, Teaching, Public Safety, and Engineering & Tech.

Sign up for updates or suggest new professions click the link here: https://forms.gle/B8yjRD2Au7MhvTGk6 

The Fan Noli Library and Cultural Center hosted a presentation of American Dream on Sunday, January 18, at St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral. The biographical novel by Eris Rusi, Associate Professor and Chair of the Language and Literature Department at Fan Noli University of Korçë, traces Beqir Potka’s risky escape from communist Albania, his pursuit of the American Dream, and his path to becoming a successful businessman. The book also highlights his lasting connection to his Albanian roots and his dedication to supporting younger generations seeking opportunities in the United States. The discussion with Eric Rusi and Beqir Potka was moderated by Rafaela Prifti. English copies of the book were available for signing. 

Please enjoy the wonderful photos taken by photographer Subi Cako.