We recently connected with Engjell Hasula and have shared our conversation below.
Engjell, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From as early as I can remember, I have been fascinated by words. They carried a kind of magic for me, the ability to capture emotions, create worlds, and connect people who had never met. As a child, I would lose myself in books, not only reading the stories but listening carefully to the way sentences flowed, how a single phrase could echo in the heart long after the page was turned. That love of language was the quiet beginning of my purpose.
My first steps were small, writing simple lyrics for songs, experimenting with how words could carry rhythm and feeling. From there, I found joy in essays, learning how to weave arguments and reflections into something that felt whole. Each stage was a brick laid carefully on top of another, building slowly but with intention. Eventually, that foundation led me to where I stand now: writing full articles about actors and actresses in vertical dramas.
Vertical dramas became, in many ways, the natural extension of my love for words. They are fast-moving, emotionally intense, and often overlooked as an art form. Writing about them allows me to spotlight the actors’ craft, to frame their work in words that both analyze and celebrate. What began as a fascination in childhood has become a vocation, a way to give voice to stories, performances, and experiences that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
Finding my purpose, then, was not a single revelation but a gradual unfolding. Each step taught me something essential: that discipline matters as much as passion, that growth comes from patience, and that words, when nurtured, can shape not only stories but lives. And in telling the stories of others, I have, in many ways, discovered my own.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a writer and journalist focusing on vertical dramas, my mission has always been to shed light on a format that is often overlooked, yet brimming with artistry and dedication. Vertical dramas may be new to the entertainment landscape, but behind every short-form frame lies the same commitment, the same sleepless nights, and the same hunger to tell meaningful stories that we find in more traditional formats. What excites me most about my work is offering the world a window into this evolving industry, an industry where creativity thrives within tight limits of time and space, and where actors and creators are proving that innovation can be as powerful as tradition.
Through my interviews and articles, I strive to amplify the voices of the actors and actresses who pour their heart into this craft. Many of them are chasing dreams with the same intensity as those on larger stages, yet they rarely get the recognition they deserve. I want readers to see not just the polished final product, but the journey, the resilience, the sacrifices, and the sheer determination it takes to succeed in a space that is still finding its footing. For me, the most special part of my work is giving these artists a platform to share their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs.
What makes vertical dramas unique is not only their format but their accessibility: they meet audiences where they are, on their phones, in their daily routines, offering a glimpse of storytelling that is immediate and intimate. My role, as I see it, is to honor that intimacy by writing with care and respect, ensuring that every piece captures both the humanity of the performers and the innovation of the medium.
This is more than just journalism for me, it’s about validation. It’s about proving that vertical dramas are not a lesser art form, but a fresh and dynamic one, capable of moving people deeply. And by sharing these stories, I hope to inspire recognition for the actors’ craft, open doors for broader conversations about the future of storytelling, and remind readers everywhere that every dream, no matter the stage it unfolds on, is worthy of being heard.
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?
Looking back on my journey as a writer and journalist in vertical dramas, I believe three qualities have been the most impactful: curiosity, consistency, and empathy.
Curiosity was the spark that began it all. From a young age, I was fascinated by words, books, and the way stories could shape the way we see the world. That curiosity pushed me to keep asking questions, to explore new formats like vertical dramas, and to always dig deeper into the human stories behind the art. For anyone starting out, I would say: never let go of your sense of wonder. Stay curious, because every question you ask has the power to open doors to new insights.
Consistency became the bridge between dream and reality. Writing is not always glamorous, it’s often about showing up daily, even when inspiration feels distant. For me, building step by step, first with lyrics, then essays, and now full articles, was only possible because I stayed consistent. To those early in their journey: treat consistency like a companion. Even small, steady steps accumulate into remarkable progress over time.
Empathy has been the heart of my work. As I interview actors and actresses in the vertical drama space, I try to listen not just to their words, but to their emotions, their struggles, and their dreams. Empathy allows me to translate their voices into stories that readers can feel, not just read. For anyone beginning their path, I encourage you to nurture empathy, it will give depth to your work and help you connect meaningfully with both your subjects and your audience.
Together, these three qualities, curiosity, consistency, and empathy, have shaped my purpose and my path. And if there is one piece of advice I could leave for those starting out, it would be this: stay curious enough to keep exploring, consistent enough to keep building, and empathetic enough to keep listening. These qualities don’t just make you a better writer or creator, they make you a better human being.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am very much open to collaboration. I would love to work closely with producers and directors to help improve the quality of storytelling in vertical dramas, because I believe this format deserves the same level of care and craft as any other. Beyond that, my vision is to build a platform where every voice, whether from the actors, the writers, or the crew, is heard and valued. Storytelling is not a solitary effort; it is a collective creation, and the more we collaborate, the richer and more powerful these stories can become.
At times, I know some actors may hesitate to share their stories with me, perhaps hoping for larger outlets like the BBC or New York Times to give them that recognition. But right now, in this moment, I have taken the role of giving voice to this industry when few others are doing so. I hope more artists come to see that their journeys are worth telling now, not just someday when a bigger platform comes knocking.
My work is driven by respect: respect for their dreams, their effort, and their artistry. I do not see myself as a “lesser journalist,” but as someone who stepped forward when there was a gap, believing that even the smallest beginnings can grow into something meaningful. If creatives can embrace collaboration with me, I believe together we can elevate vertical dramas, honor the people behind them, and ensure that their stories reach audiences who are waiting to listen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://medium.com/@engjellhasula7?fbclid=PAVERDUAMj5bZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp3JaB-T8gpyhbEV066_C9RuL9Th698cnHjF1jgF6nOLbokSvKanoVynHAsU8_aem_7UV6YZfjChSni7z36Ar_wQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anhel_hasula?igsh=MXdleHpubnN6M3Jsag==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbXwu6tkb/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/engjell-hasula-4903221a1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Image Credits
Blerim Gjeloshaj, Ornela Kampula, Klajdi Hasula
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
