We were lucky to catch up with Vilma Zenelaj recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vilma thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to produce and direct was a political thriller “Eagle” set in Albania, my home country. This project holds a special place in my heart because it was based on true events, and I’ve always been drawn to the power of authentic stories. The narrative centered on the fall of communism in Eastern Europe during the early 1990s, a period I personally lived through. This made the project deeply personal, as it reflected both collective history and individual struggles during a pivotal time.

Our aim was to create a compelling story for the small screen that captured the intensity of those historical events. To ensure accuracy, we conducted extensive research to portray the period authentically while weaving a gripping narrative that highlighted human behavior and the resilience of hope amidst turmoil. Balancing historical truth with storytelling was both challenging and rewarding.

From a production perspective, the project was equally intense. Our cast and crew came from four different countries—the United States, Albania, Serbia, and Macedonia—and three languages were spoken on set. Coordinating such a diverse team required incredible effort, but it also enriched the project with varied perspectives and talents.

One of the most challenging sequences involved recreating the large-scale demonstrations of that time. We had over 150 background extras and had to block entire streets for several days to bring those scenes to life. It was an enormous logistical undertaking, compounded by long hours and back-to-back shooting days. Yet, despite the challenges, we managed to capture the raw energy and emotion of those moments. With God’s protection and guidance, we overcame every obstacle and achieved what we had envisioned.

The end result was incredibly rewarding. Although the process required many sleepless nights and tested our limits, the final product made it all worthwhile. This project remains a testament to the power of storytelling, the resilience of the human spirit, and the joy of collaboration. It’s a piece of work I’m deeply proud of, not only for its artistic and historical value but also for the profound personal connection I have to its story.

Vilma , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a filmmaker and storyteller deeply passionate about creating compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and entertain. My journey into the world of filmmaking began with my upbringing in Albania, where I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultural and historical stories that sparked my curiosity. These early influences instilled in me a deep love for storytelling, which I later honed through formal education and hands-on experience in the industry.

My work spans across various mediums, including film, television, and digital content. I specialize in producing and directing projects that focus on powerful, human-centric stories—often rooted in real events or meaningful themes. A significant part of my storytelling is guided by my faith in God and a desire to bring spiritual guidance to my work. I aim to create films that reflect God’s love and truth, bringing hope and light to audiences worldwide.

My focus is on producing films that resonate with a broad audience, particularly those interested in godly stories and Biblical narratives. One of our latest projects is closely connected with bringing Bible stories to life, making ancient scriptures relatable and inspiring for modern viewers.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend authenticity with creativity while grounding my work in faith. Having worked with diverse teams and multicultural settings, I bring a global perspective to my projects, ensuring that stories are both relatable and impactful. I also take pride in my meticulous attention to detail, whether it’s in historical accuracy, character development, or visual storytelling.

For potential followers and fans, I want them to know that my work is rooted in faith, authenticity, and excellence. I believe stories have the power to change perspectives, bring people together, and deepen our understanding of God’s word. Whether through historical narratives or Biblical adaptations, my goal is to create meaningful, thought-provoking content that leaves a lasting impact and honors the Creator.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had known earlier, when I first moved to Los Angeles, that I could start by producing and directing my own movies with friends. I didn’t need to spend so much time pursuing other outlets, like going to auditions or getting an expensive car and then working other jobs just to make payments. If I had understood this sooner, I would have focused immediately on creating my own projects instead of wasting time on things that ultimately didn’t matter.

Another valuable resource I wish I had known about earlier is the availability of certain film festivals. Some festivals offer financial support to filmmakers whose scripts win awards, which could have helped fund my early projects. However, these opportunities require research to find festivals that align with your vision and the type of projects you’re working on.

Lastly, I wish I had realized the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded people. Building a network of friends and collaborators who share your vision is crucial. By teaming up with others, you can support one another and bring projects to life together. The resources are out there, but you need to actively search for them and connect with people who align with your creative goals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, the goal and mission driving my creative journey is to tell stories rooted in true events and centered around a godly theme. At the heart of everything is God—His truth, the fall of humanity, and the message that only God is the answer. Through my work, I aim to reflect the transformative power of faith and the timeless truths found in the Bible.

The Bible is not only a source of spiritual guidance but also home to some of the most fascinating and profound stories ever told. My mission is to bring these stories to life, demonstrating their relevance and inspiration for modern audiences. By sharing these narratives, I hope to encourage people to explore the Bible and discover the wisdom and hope it offers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coloredfilms.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretavilma/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vilma-zenelaj-74640912/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ColoredFilms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Greta-Vilma

Image Credits

Colored Films LLC