Though Steeped in Patriotic Pathos and Historical Context, ‘Tomka and His Friends’ Sustains the Energy of a Children’s Adventure

TCM will feature films from 12 decades—and representing 44 countries—totaling 100 classic and current titles all created by women. Read more about this here! 

An anxious Tomka looks into the camp through barbed wire.

When occupying Nazis set up camp on their soccer field after the withdrawal of Mussolini’s Italian forces, a group of boys vows to defend it. Together with the partisan resistance, they fight for freedom from fascism – and have quite a bit of fun in the process. Xhanfize Keko’s Tomka and His Friends (1977) offers a unique spin on a sub-genre of child adventures, grounding it in history while infusing it with patriotic pathos. (RMM: 4/5)

Review by FF2 Associate Roza M. Melkumyan

Tomka and His Friends (in Albanian, Tomka dhe shokët e tij) takes place in a small Albanian village during WWII. A group of boys is playing on the outskirts of town when they see a convoy of German tanks roll in. For context, this story occurs at a rather interesting time in Albanian history. When Italy invaded in 1939, it used the country as a puppet state. After Italy surrendered in 1943 and Mussolini’s regime was overthrown, the Nazis moved in to occupy the land until Albania’s own communist partisan party liberated the country in 1944. 

The partisans play a large role in this film in regards to both plot and dialogue. The village boys look up to them, and both often and freely express their hatred of fascism. When the Germans take over their soccer field, the boys exclaim that “these fascists are the greatest thieves in the world” and decide to fight back. In an expositional song akin to an anthem or battle cry of sorts, the young “Gëzim” (Genci Mosho) introduces himself and his three best friends, “Tomka” (Enea Zhegu), “Vaska” (Herion Mustafaraj), and “Çelo” (Artan Puto). In case it wasn’t clear that Tomka is the main hero of this story, Gëzim sings, “Tomka is our leader, the bravest of us all.” He drives their mission home with the line “freedom is our desire.” 

This nationalistic vein runs deeply and proudly throughout Xhanfize Keko’s work yet is imbued with the light, adventurous spirit of its characters’ fun-loving yet determined nature. Tomka rallies the boys of the village behind him in defending their land. Even when the Germans set their guard dog “Gof” loose on them, the boys do not give up the fight. They sing and dance a traditional Albanian dance in front of the camp to demonstrate their defiance. Later, they team up with the partisans to destroy the camp. 

I struggle a bit to describe the atmosphere of this film accurately. In some ways, it reminds me of The Sandlot (1993), which chronicles the summer adventures of a group of boys who spend their days playing baseball at the local sandlot. Both films carry a sort of fun and lighthearted energy embodied by the boys and their playful, innocent youth. 

Tomka protects his friends from Gof

Perhaps the most significant difference lies in power dynamics. In The Sandlot, the “enemies,” so-to-speak, are the adults simply because they are adults. The children both revere and fear their parents and their scary neighbor because they are older and have more agency than the children. But for Tomka and friends, the enemy is much more terrifying and real. They’re up against actual Nazi soldiers who could easily kill them and their families and destroy their homes. The children’s determination is both cute and incredibly admirable because they face foes far more sinister than any child from the sandlot has faced. Gëzim’s song further ingrains in the audience a sense of fighting spirit while framing their story as a daunting plight that they must endeavor to overcome. 

Though the film’s narrative is compelling, I’m not sure I like its heavy-handed patriotic rhetoric. I appreciate Xhanfize Keko’s embrace of it, if only because she does not seem to care what her audience thinks. For me, though, the constant cries of “death to fascism” started to feel rather preachy halfway through the film. However, it is interesting to see the partisan party through a child’s lens rather than through a historical lens. The children practically worship the partisans. When one child asks where they live, another one answers, “in the mountains where the eagles fly.” Vaska admires the partisans so much that he dreams of becoming one. He has romanticized the idea of war and fighting to an almost dangerous degree. Tomka’s retort that “war is not fun and games” reminds him, and us, that the boys’ schemes do not and should not compare to a real battle.

Patriotic pathos aside, it was refreshing to see an instance of kids’ actions making a substantial difference in a situation. So often—and especially today in America—there exists a disinterest in politics that is almost suffocating. More and more people feel that their voice doesn’t matter, that their vote doesn’t matter and that their actions don’t matter. 

But for Tomka and his friends, though they are children up against fascist soldiers, actions matter. They not only provide useful intel to the partisan cause, but they carry out tasks that beget tangible success. With their contributions, the partisans manage to successfully infiltrate the camp, plant a bomb, and blow up a weapon center. Being young and little is often seen as a disadvantage, but here it proves to be an asset (they can climb trees and observe the camp unnoticed, for example.) When the light from the subsequent flames wakes the village children, their faces are so filled with glee that it might as well be Christmas.

An important plus to this film is that though historical context might aid in understanding the story, it is not required. This introduction to history might even pique your interest in the subject, as it did mine. After watching, I found myself reading up on the entire history of WWII in Albania. Tomka and His Friends reminds me that a source of entertainment can prove a useful tool in learning about the world around you.

© Roza M. Melkumyan (10/15/20) FF2 Media

Çelo sends Tomka and friends a signal.

Featured Photo: From left to right stand Tomka, Çelo, Vaska, and Gëzim

Photo Credits: Albafilm-Tirana

Q: Does Tomka and His Friends pass the Bechdel-Wallace Test? 

Yes..but barely.

Women in the town briefly discuss donating clothing to the partisans. Otherwise, the film focuses on Tomka and his friends, who all are male, as well as the partisans.

Avatar

By Roza Melkumyan

As a member of the FF2 Media team, Roza writes features and reviews and coaches other associates and interns. She joined the team as an intern herself during her third year of study at New York University. There she individualized her major and studied narrative through a cultural lens and in the mediums of literature, theatre, and film. At school, Roza studied abroad in Florence and London, worked as a Resident Assistant, and workshopped a play she wrote and co-directed. Since graduating, she spent six months in Spain teaching English and practicing her Spanish. Most recently, she spent a year in Armenia teaching university English as a Fulbright scholar. Her love of film has only grown over the years, and she is dedicated to providing the space necessary for female filmmakers to prosper.

744 comments

  82. Pingback: sex date games

  168. Recently our laboratory and other investigators have provided supportive evidence that the gut microbiota plays an essential role in intestinal epigenomic mechanisms of the host Lgsfxr Plaquenil Mzlsui Cephalexin For Tooth Pain

    Reply

  213. Новинки фільми, серіали, мультфільми 2021 року, які вже
    вийшли Ви можете дивитися українською на нашому сайті link

    Reply
  295. Pingback: mazhor4sezon

  296. Today, while I was at ԝork, my sіster stole my iphone and tested to see if it can suгѵіve a twenty fiѵe foot drop,
    just so she can bе a youtube sensation. My apple ipad iѕ now broken and ѕhe has 83 views.
    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with sߋmеone!

    Reply

  409. Эра выживания смотреть онлайн бесплатно в хорошем качестве полностью на русском языке бесплатно фильм Эра Выживания Смотреть Онлайн Бесплатно В Хорошем Качестве 1080
    Hd

    Reply

  411. отзывы о горячем ключе витязево аттика официальный сайт
    элитное жилье в крыму анапа отдых с детьми цены дубовая роща санаторий железноводск
    новомосковск гостиница россия храм святого лазаря пятигорск история nevsky loft studio

    Reply

  412. отель в балашихе east gate омск гостиница молодежная
    отель агиос на курской москва лечебно профилактический массаж swiss hotel sochi kamelia
    берта истра санаторий заря кисловодск вакансии крым отдых 2017 цены все включено

    Reply

  413. апарт отель бревис геленджик старый парк в кабардинке
    комфорт алушта анапа номера с бассейном нейросон
    светлый санаторий санаторий бакирово официальный 1389 отель

    Reply

  418. лор врач севастополь отель в партените
    судак астарта свято георгиевский женский монастырь ессентуки официальный сайт санаторий самшитовая роща отзывы 2021
    отель родник пятигорск официальный сайт премьер набережные челны гостиницы торжок

    Reply

  419. гостиницы махачкалы цены вилла арнест кисловодск официальный сайт
    медвежий угол адлер мартон череповецкая волгоград дешевые путевки в санатории
    санатории татарстана цены белладжио белореченск ривьера клуб отель spa

    Reply

  420. del sol анапа galaxy hotel сочи
    ялта отель лето дома отдыха в анапе санатории по лечению остеохондроза в россии
    кубанский хутор джигинка официальный сайт баваренок белокуриха голден парк клин

    Reply

  421. санаторий заря кисловодск отзывы лазаревское в лазаревском
    санаторий аврора мо рф гостиница урюпинск крытые бассейны в анапе
    park inn сочи центр гостиницы шахунья сайт гостиницы

    Reply

  423. апарт отель вертикаль санкт петербург отзывы отель дельмонт
    гостиница иремель уфа пансионат газпром социальный автобус 121 лесные дали молодежная
    санаторий северный санаторий пятигорска виктория номер телефона

    Reply

  425. вилла елена 5 ялта восьмое небо киров
    санаторий гурзуфский крым цены кивач санаторий карелия пальмира палас в ялте официальный сайт
    пансионат анапы хостелы ижевска хостел ретро москва

    Reply

  426. сауна отель солнце гостиницы в можайске цены и адреса
    куда можно поехать отдыхать в башкирии отель богатырь сочи бассейн свадебное путешествие туры
    гостиница металлург волхов евпатория ул горького 10 29 меридиан анапа официальный сайт

    Reply

  427. ногинск гостиницы цены санаторий можайский самара официальный сайт цены
    витязево отель золотые пески vertebra кисловодск александровский сад бархатные сезоны
    вилла кадаши бутик отель урология ессентуки кабардинка лазурный

    Reply

  474. However, your How Do You Get Diabetes check blood sugar levels without needles doctor may need to prescribe oral medications and or insulin to help how to get rid of high blood sugar shakes you meet your target blood sugar levels letrozole vs tamoxifen By the way, I ve heard clomid can be pretty cheap at the Walmart pharmacy

    Reply

  503. At the beginning, I was still puzzled. Since I read your article, I have been very impressed. It has provided a lot of innovative ideas for my thesis related to gate.io. Thank u. But I still have some doubts, can you help me? Thanks.

    Reply

  505. I may need your help. I tried many ways but couldn’t solve it, but after reading your article, I think you have a way to help me. I’m looking forward for your reply. Thanks.

    Reply
  570. Pingback: Why do I still think about my ex everyday levitra 20mg how to use?
  571. Pingback: Can antibiotics prevent infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stromectol generic?
  572. Pingback: Can antibiotics be used to treat impetigo stromectol online pharmacy?
  573. Pingback: Who is Deming Juran and Crosby levitra sale?
  574. Pingback: How do you be a woman a man needs what is levitra used for?
  575. Pingback: How can I conceive twins naturally generic vardenafil?
  576. Pingback: Emerging Trends in Precision Medicine and Targeted Therapies kamagranow?
  578. Pingback: Combating Allergies - Medications for Seasonal Relief 1 gram Azithromycin?
  579. Pingback: What is the role of community health workers in bridging healthcare gaps buy stromectol 3 mg online?
  580. Pingback: How can eating disorders be identified and treated effectively albuterol sulfate?
  582. Pingback: What is intimacy to a woman buy Cenforce sale?
  583. Pingback: What is more than love in a relationship brand Cenforce 50mg?
  584. Pingback: Environmental Toxins and Childhood Development furosemide 10 mg tablet?
  585. Pingback: Emergency Preparedness and Response in Healthcare buy fildena without prescription?
  586. Pingback: can i buy plaquenil in mexico??
  587. Pingback: dapoxetine buy india?
  588. Pingback: What is the potential of robotic surgery in various medical specialties levitra online purchase?
  589. Pingback: Medications and Lifestyle Changes - A Holistic Approach to Health buy priligy 60mg?
  590. Pingback: Medications and Mental Health Support - Breaking Chains, Embracing Freedom is dapoxetine available over the counter?
  591. Pingback: What are the 4 stages of syphilis ivermectin over the counter?
  592. Pingback: Medications and Heart Health - Protecting Your Most Vital Organ over the counter medication for cough and chest congestion?
  593. Pingback: The Future of Health Care - Exploring Innovative Drug Therapies viagra otc?
  594. Pingback: Can antibiotics prevent infection in newborns zpack antibiotic reactions?
  595. Pingback: Are there instances where expensive medicines have been recalled due to quality issues buy dapoxetine 877?
  596. Pingback: Can a healthy diet improve erectile function Cenforce 50 mg for sale
  597. Pingback: Can antibiotics treat bronchiectasis stromectol lice
  598. Pingback: What is the role of shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction where to order vidalista
  601. Pingback: buy Cenforce 50mg for sale
  602. Pingback: albuterol
  603. Pingback: What is true love between a man and a woman??
  604. Pingback: What are quality methods??
  606. Pingback: 2017 reddit where buy priligy - Can erectile dysfunction be a result of testicular torsion?
  607. Pingback: fildena canada
  608. Pingback: cenforce
  609. Pingback: sildenafil 50mg cheap
  610. Pingback: prozac v zoloft
  611. Pingback: accutane
  613. Pingback: testosterone gel 1.62
  614. Pingback: cenforce professional 100mg
  615. Pingback: fildena 150mg extra power
  616. Pingback: trt cream
  617. Pingback: proair digihaler price
  618. Pingback: buy naltrexone
  619. Pingback: androgel uk
  620. Pingback: cheapest dapoxetine 90 mg
  621. Pingback: vilitra vardenafil tablets 20 mg
  622. Pingback: tadalista vs vidalista
  623. Pingback: buy hydroxychloroquine
  624. Pingback: tadalafil walgreens prices
  625. Pingback: why do men take viagra
  626. Pingback: best site to buy priligy canada
  627. Pingback: ivermectin medicine

  628. ivermectin for horse, containing ivermectin, has emerged as a potent treatment for parasitic infections in captive exotic mammals, such as lemurs and kangaroos. By effectively targeting parasites like ticks and mites, ivermectin contributes significantly to the health and well-being of these animals, particularly in controlled environments like zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

    Reply
  629. Pingback: vidalista 20 centurion laboratories
  630. Pingback: buy Cenforce
  631. Pingback: clomiphene Citrate for men 50mg
  632. Pingback: furosemide 40 mg what is it used for
  633. Pingback: prelone 20mg tab
  634. Pingback: vidalista 40 side effects
  635. Pingback: cenforce 200 online
  636. Pingback: vidalista 40
  637. Pingback: cenforce 160
  638. Pingback: where can i get dapoxetine
  639. Pingback: fildena 100 ШЇЩ€Ш§ШЎ
  641. Pingback: hydroxychloroquine plaquenil 200 mg tablet
  642. Pingback: buy online dapoxetine
  643. Pingback: buy Cenforce 50mg for sale
  645. Pingback: clomid for sale
  646. Pingback: Cheap clomid without rx
  647. Pingback: is priligy over the counter
  648. Pingback: kamagra 100mg pills reviews
  650. Pingback: vidalista 40
  651. Pingback: vidalista 20 mg
  652. Pingback: crystal medicine vidalista
  654. Pingback: advair drug
  655. Pingback: cenforce 100 for sale
  656. Pingback: cenforce
  657. Pingback: kamagra review
  658. Pingback: simectin
  659. Pingback: tadalafil cost cvs
  661. Pingback: vidalista opiniД™
  662. Pingback: Sildenafil Prices 20 mg
  663. Pingback: cenforce-200
  664. Pingback: vidalista 60
  665. Pingback: vidalista hoeveel mg
  667. Pingback: vidalista 80
  668. Pingback: Sildenafil Citrate
  669. Pingback: ciprodex generic
  670. Pingback: cenforce 50
  671. Pingback: tadalafil 5 mg goodrx
  673. Pingback: where to buy cheap 90 mg dapoxetine
  674. Pingback: vidalista 20 mg nedir
  675. Pingback: sildigra 250mg
  676. Pingback: fildena 100mg for sale
  678. Pingback: fildena 100
  679. Pingback: fildena 100mg drug
  680. Pingback: buy fildena 50mg online cheap
  681. Pingback: vidalista reviews reviews'
  683. Pingback: buy kamagra 100mg oral jelly uk
  684. Pingback: silagra 50 mg
  685. Pingback: order kamagra
  687. Pingback: iverheal 12 mg uses
  688. Pingback: covimectin 12 uses
  689. Pingback: ivermectol tablets
  690. Pingback: cenforce 100 bodybuilding
  692. Pingback: tadalista super active
  694. Pingback: vidalista online
  695. Pingback: cenforce 200 co to jest
  696. Pingback: cenforce 25mg
  697. Pingback: clomid for women over the counter
  698. Pingback: buy cheap dapoxetine
  699. Pingback: qvar uses
  700. Pingback: vidalista 40 forum
  701. Pingback: order fildena 100mg online
  702. Pingback: rybelsus directions
  703. Pingback: pct nolvadex and clomid
  704. Pingback: buy cenforce 200mg
  705. Pingback: motilium active ingredient
  706. Pingback: buy motilium online
  707. Pingback: generic levitra online
  708. Pingback: vidalista 20 reviews
  709. Pingback: malegra 25 mg
  710. Pingback: iverwon 12
  711. Pingback: iverheal 6 mg uses
  712. Pingback: ivera 6
  713. Pingback: vermact
  714. Pingback: vidalista 20mg online
  715. Pingback: amoxil 500mg price
  717. Pingback: sildigra 25
  718. Pingback: fildena 150 mg for sale
  719. Pingback: is dapoxetine available over the counter in usa
  720. Pingback: vidalista 40 amazon
  721. Pingback: cenforce 50
  722. Pingback: cenforce 200 india
  724. Pingback: safe vidalista dosage
  726. Pingback: strattera 25mg
  728. Pingback: t olimelt 5 mg
  733. Pingback: revatio 20 mg
  735. Pingback: Nolvadex for sale cheap
  736. Pingback: priligy 60
  737. Pingback: fildena super active 100
  739. Pingback: atorvastatin 10 mg side effects in women
  740. Pingback: generic xenical
  742. Pingback: Cenforce 150

  743. equilibrado estatico
    Aparatos de calibración: importante para el operación estable y productivo de las maquinarias.

    En el mundo de la ciencia moderna, donde la eficiencia y la seguridad del equipo son de máxima trascendencia, los aparatos de ajuste cumplen un tarea esencial. Estos aparatos dedicados están diseñados para ajustar y fijar partes dinámicas, ya sea en herramientas productiva, medios de transporte de transporte o incluso en electrodomésticos domésticos.

    Para los expertos en soporte de aparatos y los profesionales, trabajar con sistemas de calibración es fundamental para asegurar el rendimiento fluido y estable de cualquier mecanismo giratorio. Gracias a estas herramientas avanzadas sofisticadas, es posible limitar sustancialmente las vibraciones, el zumbido y la tensión sobre los sujeciones, aumentando la tiempo de servicio de elementos importantes.

    Asimismo significativo es el rol que tienen los equipos de equilibrado en la asistencia al consumidor. El soporte profesional y el conservación continuo empleando estos sistemas posibilitan brindar prestaciones de excelente nivel, incrementando la contento de los clientes.

    Para los propietarios de proyectos, la financiamiento en sistemas de balanceo y sensores puede ser clave para aumentar la productividad y eficiencia de sus sistemas. Esto es principalmente significativo para los emprendedores que administran reducidas y pequeñas negocios, donde cada punto vale.

    Por otro lado, los aparatos de calibración tienen una gran implementación en el campo de la prevención y el supervisión de excelencia. Facilitan localizar eventuales defectos, evitando mantenimientos elevadas y perjuicios a los equipos. Además, los resultados obtenidos de estos sistemas pueden emplearse para perfeccionar métodos y aumentar la presencia en sistemas de exploración.

    Las campos de aplicación de los sistemas de ajuste comprenden numerosas industrias, desde la elaboración de ciclos hasta el seguimiento del medio ambiente. No influye si se trata de grandes elaboraciones productivas o modestos talleres hogareños, los sistemas de balanceo son esenciales para asegurar un funcionamiento óptimo y sin detenciones.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *