Our journey begins in Albania.
Our passion for storytelling was born out of a childhood shaped by limited access to media and a deep hunger for creative expression. Growing up in communist Albania, Greta and Vilma experienced a world where television was a rare privilege. Until the age of seven, they had no TV at home only if they were lucky in the state’s lottery system would they receive a black-and-white set. Even then, the programming was sparse, airing only from 6 PM to 10 PM, with a single state-run channel, TVSH (Televizioni Shqiptar).
But as communism in Eastern Europe began to collapse, glimpses of a different world emerged. Their aunt, through her husband’s relatives in ex-Yugoslavia, received a color TV, a window into a vibrant world beyond Albania. For the first time, the sisters were able to watch international channels like RAI (Italy’s national network) and Yugoslavian stations.
Each visit to their aunt’s house became a moment of magic, an opportunity to experience “filmat me ngjyra” (films in color), sparking their lifelong love for cinema. That transformative feeling of watching films in color never left them. It was more than just entertainment, it was a gateway to storytelling, emotion, and artistic freedom. Inspired by this childhood experience, they named their company Colored Films, a tribute to the power of color in storytelling. To them, each color represents a genre, a mood, and a way to evoke deep emotions, making every film they create a vivid and immersive journey. Today, Colored Films continues to honor that vision by producing high-quality, impactful films that blend artistic integrity with meaningful narratives. Greta and Vilma are committed to telling stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire audiences worldwide—just like that first glimpse of color did for them.
The Birth and Growth of Colored Films
When Greta and Vilma Zenelaj arrived in Los Angeles, they were eager to immerse themselves in filmmaking. They worked on several independent films, helping friends with their projects while learning every aspect of production. But as they gained experience, their desire to create their own films grew stronger.
With the rise of the digital camera, filmmaking suddenly became more accessible. The barriers to entry were lower, and independent storytellers no longer needed massive budgets to bring their visions to life. Everything felt possible. It was then that Greta and Vilma decided to establish their own production company—Colored Films—dedicated to creating bold, thought-provoking stories.
Their first feature film, “What Do I Do Now?”, was a dark comedy that followed Claudia, a young woman juggling an upcoming exam with an unexpected crisis involving an Arabian sheik. The film’s quirky humor and chaotic energy set the tone for their storytelling style.
Next came “In the Woods”, a gripping thriller about a couple’s vacation gone wrong when they encounter a reckless hunter deep in the wilderness. Shot with a small crew in Angeles National Forest, the film gained critical recognition, winning Best Feature at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival and a Silver Ace Award at the Las Vegas Film Festival. Greta’s performance also earned her the Best Actress Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.
For their third feature, they returned to their roots in Albania. “Eagle/Shqipe” was shot in Shkodër, their hometown, and told the powerful story of Helen, a single mother who flees post-communist Albania in search of a better future but becomes entangled in a dark web of espionage and human trafficking within the Albanian-American community of Detroit. This film was deeply personal, as it allowed them to reconnect with their homeland while telling a story that reflected the struggles of many immigrants.
Their most ambitious project yet, “Residuum”, took them into the realm of dystopian sci-fi. The film follows Zoe, a grieving loner who escapes into the desert to avoid government control, only to uncover a terrifying truth about global disappearances that may be linked to the rapture. Mixing conspiracy theories, faith, and survival, the film resonated with audiences looking for stories that challenge mainstream narratives.
Now, as they continue to evolve as filmmakers, they are expanding into digital storytelling with “Verses with Greta”, a YouTube series dedicated to reading and reflecting on the Bible, bringing faith, wisdom, and inspiration to a growing online audience.
From Albania to Los Angeles, from quirky comedy to deep social commentary and sci-fi thrillers, Colored Films continues to push the boundaries of independent cinema, proving that powerful storytelling transcends borders.
Verses with Greta
Our Mission
To create bold, thought-provoking films that inspire, challenge, and connect audiences worldwide.
Our Vision
To be a leading force in independent cinema, producing films that engage minds, spark conversations, and bring diverse stories to the forefront.
Our Values
- Creativity – To push artistic boundaries in storytelling.
- Faith – We honor God and purpose in our work.
- Resilience – To overcome challenges with determination.
- Impact – To create films that leave a lasting impression.
