Tomka and His Friends (1977)

In the wake of Italy's capitulation to the Allies, an Albanian village becomes a clandestine battlefield. The local partisans, staunchly resisting fascism, secretly ally with former Italian soldiers willing to join their cause. Amid the war-torn remnants of the village, a band of adolescent friends — Tomka, Gëzim, Vaska, and Çelo — stumbles upon Antonio, a soldier in hiding. With the ominous rumble of German military vehicles making their presence known, the village teeters on the brink of a new kind of occupation. The Nazis, usurping the children's cherished football field as their base of operations, ignite a spark of rebellion among the young friends. Forced to relocate their games to the narrow streets just beyond the German's makeshift gate, the children's games assume a defiant edge. Their playful football matches become a silent protest against the invaders, their laughter a battle cry against the destruction of their lives. From this vantage point, they dream of reclaiming their field, their village, their childhood. The arrival of the Wehrmacht in their small town marks a turning point as the partisans intensify their fight. Emboldened by their elders' struggle, Tomka and his gang find themselves drawn into the heart of the conflict. They realize that every citizen, regardless of age, has a role to play in this battle. As they plot their revenge, the lines between childhood games and warfare blur. They resolve to take back not only their football pitch but also their freedom, setting the stage for an unforgettable confrontation.

Tomka and His Friends is a drama movie featuring Sotiraq Çili.

Tomka and His Friends is currently streaming on TCM.