[The image and sound elements are incomplete in this rough cut. Sections are missing sound and others are missing picture.]
A never completed film by Rudall and Ramai Hayward. Filmed in the Albanian capital of Tirana in 1971, during the Cold War when Communist Albania was aligned with Maoist China.
‘Hinemoa In Albania tells the true story of a young Māori girl, who, after the death of her mother, was taken with her siblings to live in the isolationist dictatorship that was Albania in 1967 by her staunchly communist father Ron Taylor. Through his connections, the Haywards were granted access to make two films, only the first of which was ever completed, The Young Albanians. Both films had to extoll the merits of Albanian socialism under Enver Hoxha. Hinemoa in Albania was intended to highlight how idyllic life was in a supposedly free and heroic society by drawing parallels with the heroine of Māori legend after whom Hinemoa was named.’ - Hinemoa Taylor; 5/06/2025.
Hinemoa reads a journal entry in English class.
A family scene around a table outdoors. Hinemoa brings a letter from New Zealand to her older sister June who then reads it aloud.
[Multiple takes for both these scenes are included].
[Audio excerpts only of a traditional folk dance scene]
A gallery room (in a museum?) where Hinemoa and two friends look at some artworks. The friends walk hand-in-hand across Skanderbeg Square, the main plaza in the centre of Tirana. A large crowd of locals can be seen in the Square as the friends walk towards the Skanderbeg Monument - a tribute to their national hero - which replaced the former statue of Joseph Stalin. The imposing structure that is the Skanderbeg Building comes into view as they walk by. ‘LAVDI PPSH’ a communist-era slogan features prominently.
[Note even though this entire segment is missing sound it is clear that the children’s actions and speech are scripted].
Two young women at a table are seen creating artwork that consist of coloured rye straws being precisely cut and attached within a frame, resulting in intricate panel mosaics depicting people and buildings. In this same room Hinemoa examines and tries on a hand-woven hand bag.
Large weaving looms with skilled artisans at work. In a museum space ancient Roman jewellery, artefacts and artworks on display. The friends examine traditional costumes and jewellery on mannequins in a display space.
An early morning school yard scene with children practising callisthenics following the demonstration of a teacher. Hinemoa’s class seen during a science lesson. Putting a birdhouse in a tree. Rangi being trained in metalwork.