Synopsis

In 1944, dictator Enver Hoxha rose to power, sinking Albania into a totalitarian ruin. Amongst the violence and surveillance, two men set off on their own journey of freedom and resistance. Tomor Selenica escaped a labor prison while Alush Lleshanaku advanced in the ranks of one of the largest anti-communist resistance groups. Told from the perspective of historians and living relatives, “A Journey To Freedom” amplifies the voices of the silenced. A raw, emotional investigation of a history written by the oppressor and now gathered by Director Anisa Selenica, the descendant of these two brave men. This is the story of two families surviving and fighting against a dictatorship, gaining independence both in America and Albania.

Filmmaking Approach

No narration will be necessary when we have living eyewitnesses and academic authorities on these subjects. We will jump back and forth between America and Albania, cutting between highly polished interviews and casual conversations, cinéma vérité style. Director Anisa Selenica will cook a traditional Albanian meal with her parents and grandmother, spliced with footage of her extended family in Albania detailing what their life was like under a ruthless regime and what it took to survive.

Why Donate?

By supporting this documentary, you’re not just funding a film, you’re preserving a piece of Albanian-American history and my family’s legacy. Every contribution is a step closer to capturing the resilience, culture, and stories of my family’s journey to America, which holds universal themes of hope and courage. Your support ensures we can hire talented artists to bring this story to life, acquire equipment for high-quality production, and cover necessary travel and filming costs.

Risks & Challenges

Making a documentary is no small task. Some challenges include travel logistics, securing high-quality equipment, and balancing the need for a professional crew with budget constraints. However, as someone deeply passionate about my family’s story and committed to filmmaking, I have carefully planned around these obstacles. I’ll work with a team of experienced filmmakers and professionals to bring this vision to life, and I’m ready to navigate any setbacks with flexibility and determination.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you cannot contribute, you can still support this campaign by sharing it with friends family, and on social media. Every share spreads the word and brings us closer to the goal of preserving my family’s legacy for future generations.

The Crew from left to right