We were lucky to catch up with Greta Zenelaj recently and have shared our conversation below.
Greta, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from my family and my faith. Being originally from Albania, I grew up with strong family ties. In our culture, family is the foundation, the rock that supports us in both good times and bad. My sister and I, in particular, have always encouraged and uplifted each other as we navigate life’s journey together.
Beyond my family, my faith in God is a constant source of strength. Through prayer, reading the Bible, and being part of a faith community, I find the peace and clarity I need to face daily challenges. It keeps me grounded, helps me stay positive, and reminds me to pursue my calling with confidence and purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an actress and filmmaker, and my passion lies in storytelling—bringing captivating narratives to life through the lens of a camera. As a co-founder of Colored Films, my sister Vilma and I are dedicated to creating meaningful and thought-provoking content. Our work spans a variety of genres, from intense thrillers to heartfelt dramas, each with a core message that resonates deeply with audiences.
Acting is my first love; stepping into different characters allows me to explore diverse human experiences. However, filmmaking is equally rewarding. Behind the camera, I have the opportunity to shape the vision of a story, from script to screen. I find it exciting to collaborate with a team of creatives, each bringing their unique talents to the table.
One of the most special aspects of my career is how personal it feels. Growing up in Albania, we were surrounded by rich, untold stories. Those cultural roots inspire much of what we create today, blending universal themes with our distinct perspective.
Of course, there are challenges. The entertainment industry is highly competitive, and as independent filmmakers, we often face financial and logistical hurdles. However, those challenges push us to be more resourceful and innovative. For instance, on our latest film RESIDUUM, we navigated a tight budget and even took on multiple roles to bring the project to life.
Currently, we’re expanding into new territories, including launching an animation series based on the Bible, blending modern technology with timeless stories. It’s an exciting time for our company, and we’re eager to share our upcoming projects with the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience and Perseverance
In filmmaking and acting, resilience is essential. There are countless obstacles, from financial limitations to creative differences. For me, resilience comes from my family and my faith. Growing up in Albania, where family is everything, I learned that no matter the challenge, having a strong support system is vital. The perseverance to keep moving forward, even when things seem impossible, has been crucial to my journey. My advice for those early in their journey is to build a solid support network—whether through family, friends, or a faith community—and remember that setbacks are a part of the process. Resilience will carry you through.
Creativity and Innovation
The ability to think outside the box and creatively solve problems is another important skill. As an independent filmmaker, we often face resource constraints, and creativity helps us find innovative solutions. Whether it’s stretching a small budget to get the most out of our resources or finding unique ways to tell a story, creativity is the backbone of my work. My advice for others starting out is to embrace innovation and never be afraid to experiment. If something doesn’t work, it’s just a learning opportunity.
Collaboration and Communication
Filmmaking is a highly collaborative art form. It requires clear communication and effective teamwork to bring a project to life. Whether it’s the actors, crew, or post-production team, each person plays a vital role in realizing the vision. Early in your journey, it’s crucial to practice active listening, clear communication, and collaboration. Learning to work with others, respect their input, and adapt to various working styles will help you succeed in a team-oriented industry like film.
Advice for the Early Journey:
For those just starting, focus on developing these qualities. Resilience will help you weather challenges, creativity will set you apart, and collaboration will allow you to tap into the strength of a team. Don’t be discouraged by failures—use them as stepping stones. Keep learning, stay curious, and build your network of supportive individuals. Trust the process and enjoy the journey.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents weren’t perfect, but they taught me some invaluable life lessons that shaped who I am today. One of the most impactful things my mother did was always encouraging my sister and me to support each other. She never tolerated us fighting and would make sure we made up immediately, teaching us the importance of reconciliation and the value of conversation, even when we disagreed. This lesson taught me that while we may have differences, it’s essential to communicate and not hold grudges. It’s a powerful reminder that we can disagree without breaking relationships.
Another significant lesson I learned from my parents was the importance of embracing our unique gifts. My mom always emphasized that we each had something special to offer, and we shouldn’t be afraid to pursue our talents, regardless of the challenges. She instilled in me the belief that our abilities should be used to uplift others, not just for personal gain. This lesson has guided me throughout my journey. Whenever I can help others, even if it’s inconvenient, I make sure to do so, because I believe that’s when we truly experience success and blessings.
These teachings have had a profound impact on me, reminding me to act with kindness and to always be generous with my gifts, no matter the situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coloredfilms.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretavilma/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greta-zenelaj-8902635/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Greta-Vilma
Image Credits
©Colored Films LLC
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