We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Greta Zenelaj. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Greta below.

Greta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Being an artist or creative is a double-edged sword—an exhilarating freedom to create, paired with the weight of uncertainty. I’d say I’m happier as a creative, but it’s not always an easy happiness. There are moments when I crave the stability of a “regular” job, but when I talk to friends who have one, they often sound bored, caught in routines that feel so foreign to me. It’s hard for me to imagine living like that.

Yes, I crave stability too—who doesn’t?—but there’s something about my little office that feels so perfectly mine. I try to keep things organized as much as I can, though it’s a challenge. Sometimes I can’t find things right away, but somehow, I always do. It’s my mess, and I wouldn’t trade it with anyone. Every corner of this space reflects who I am as a filmmaker: the chaos, the creativity, the endless possibilities.

Sure, there are parts of the job I don’t love—tasks that feel tedious or draining—but that’s normal in any profession. At the end of the day, I know I’m on the right path. When I step back and look at the work I’ve done, the stories I’ve told, and the creative freedom I’ve embraced, I feel deeply content. Right time, right place—I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Greta, 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’m a filmmaker and co-founder of a production company that I started with my sister back in 2008. We decided to create our own path because working with other production companies often meant being overlooked, especially as women. Starting our company was a bold step, but it allowed us to take control of our creative vision and establish ourselves in the industry on our terms.

My journey into storytelling started early. As a child, I loved performing—I sang, danced, and even did acrobatic performances at school. In high school, I began writing poetry, and one year, I won first place for “Poem of the Year.” That moment gave me the courage to embrace storytelling as a gift I could nurture and share. When I moved to the U.S. and eventually to Los Angeles, it felt like a second chance to chase my dreams, and I went all in.

Initially, I started out as an actor, balancing classes, auditions, and work. Rejection was a big part of the job, and while it was tough, it also pushed me to think bigger. After few years, I realized I wanted to do more than act—I wanted to tell stories on a larger scale. My creative background made the transition to filmmaking feel like a natural evolution.

Our first project was a comedy script called “What Do I Do Now,” which we wrote, produced, and directed ourselves. It was the hardest thing we’d ever done, testing our creativity, faith, and perseverance. The indie filmmaking world is full of challenges, but completing that first film was a milestone that changed everything for us. It became the foundation for all the work we’ve done since.

I’m incredibly proud of that film—not just because it was our first, but because it taught us how to approach filmmaking with a bold and confident perspective. Since then, we’ve continued to create stories that excite and inspire, always aiming to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to the screen.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to telling authentic, diverse, and relatable stories. We’re passionate about creating work that resonates with audiences on a personal level while still entertaining them. To our clients and fans, I want them to know that every project we take on is a labor of love. We pour our hearts into every detail, and our goal is always to leave a lasting impression.

For me, filmmaking is exhilarating and challenging in equal measure. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, hard work, and storytelling. I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is a mission driving my creative journey. My goal is to tell stories that inspire people, influence them to be better, entertain them, and uplift them. I believe God is the ultimate source of all creativity, and I feel His guidance in the stories I choose to tell and the way I tell them.

Our latest project, Residuum, is a perfect example of this. It was incredibly challenging to make, and one of the biggest obstacles we faced was the unpredictable weather in Los Angeles last year. We had so much rain during production, which made scheduling actors and scenes a constant juggling act. I often didn’t know if we’d even be able to shoot on certain days.

But God made it happen. There were moments that felt like small miracles. I remember one instance when we needed to shoot a crucial outdoor scene, and the clouds parted for exactly 45 minutes—just enough time to capture everything we needed. It was perfect timing, and it reminded me that when you trust in God, He provides in ways you might not expect.

This experience strengthened my belief that God is in every detail of my creative journey. He inspires the stories I tell and ensures that they come together, even when the challenges feel overwhelming. Knowing that He is guiding me gives me the courage to keep going, no matter how difficult things get.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing how my work resonates with people. When someone watches one of my movies and it takes them to a different place—one where they can explore their thoughts, feel uplifted, and face the future with renewed optimism—that’s the ultimate reward.

Life isn’t always easy, but it’s beautiful and worth living. I believe that if you’re here in this world, God has called you to live your life to the fullest. Through my films, I aim to remind people of that truth. If I can inspire someone to see life from a new perspective or feel a sense of hope, then I know my job is done. That sense of connection and purpose brings me tremendous satisfaction and drives me to keep creating.

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