'A Journey to Freedom': Chicago filmmaker Anisa Selenica honors Albanian heritage with powerful documentary

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago filmmaker, who is part of our ABC7 family, is going behind the lens to honor her Albanian ancestors.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Anisa Selenica is the director of “A Journey to Freedom.”

Anisa Selenica is the director of ‘A Journey to Freedom.’

Anisa Selenica is the director of ‘A Journey to Freedom.’

The documentary traces her family’s history under Communist rule in Albania and their courageous journey to freedom.

Originally a 25-minute high school documentary in 2016, the project has evolved into a more ambitious endeavor: a living chronicle of resistance, resilience, and reinvention.

Selenica, who is a first-generation Albanian-American, now lives in Chicago with her family.

Through the film, Selenica hopes audiences don’t just learn about history-they feel it.

“As a filmmaker at the beginning of my career, this project-my inaugural feature-length documentary-is both profoundly personal and socially significant,” Selenica expressed. “The film not only celebrates my family’s legacy, but also serves a greater purpose. It uses intimate storytelling to highlight a chapter of world history often neglected: the experiences of ordinary people living under an oppressive regime.”

Selenica is currently fundraising to raise the money to complete her documentary. You can support “A Journey to Freedom” here.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
NYPD boss Jessica Tisch praises cops for hard work during Knicks victory celebrations

Jessica Tisch Applauds NYPD Officers for Keeping Knicks Victory Celebrations Safe and Under Control

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised officers for their response Saturday night as…
Video journalist captures man stuck rubble, helps rescue

Video Journalist Films Dramatic Rubble Rescue, Then Helps Save Trapped Man

A storm chaser and video journalist recorded a dramatic rescue after powerful…
Karmelo Anthony judge weighs in on jury verdict — and makes shocking comment about killer

Judge Reacts to Karmelo Anthony Jury Verdict With Shocking Comment About the Killer

The Texas judge who oversaw Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial says he stands…
Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony claims he is 'penniless' in appeal despite major donor-funded legal campaign

Judge Says Banning Cameras From Karmelo Anthony Murder Trial Was ‘An Easy Decision’

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for Austin Metcalf murder, appeal grounds…
Robbins opens Legacy Field honoring Rasul 'Rocky' Clark, late high school football player paralyzed by game injury in 2000

Robbins Unveils Legacy Field to Honor Rasul “Rocky” Clark, Player Paralyzed in 2000 Football Injury

ROBBINS, Ill. (WLS) — A newly unveiled athletic field in Robbins is…
Secret evidence filed in Anna Kepner Carnival cruise murder case as feds push to jail accused stepbrother

Carnival Cruise Murder Case Twist: Secret Evidence Filed as Feds Seek to Jail Anna Kepner’s Accused Stepbrother

Federal prosecutors have discreetly filed additional sealed evidence in the case against…
Howard professor blames Austin Metcalf's father for his murder in sick Substack rant

Howard professor sparks outrage after blaming Austin Metcalf’s father for killing in Substack post

A Howard University journalism professor drew backlash after publishing a Substack post…
UFC fight at White House, today: Trump turns 80 with a showstopping spectacle of cage fights on South Lawn

Trump’s 80th Birthday at the White House: UFC Fight Spectacle Planned on the South Lawn

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will mark his 80th birthday on Sunday…
NYC's ACS would have to finally cough up critical records for state probers under newly passed bill

Newly Passed Bill Would Require NYC’s ACS to Turn Over Key Records to State Investigators

A bill passed in Albany could force New York City’s troubled child-welfare…
Healthcare CEO wasn't afraid to change how he pursued his dream

Healthcare CEO fearlessly redefined his path to achieving his dream

Through July 4, The Post, in partnership with the Milken Center for…
12 dead after plane full of sky divers crashes near Kansas City

12 Killed as Skydiving Plane Crashes Near Kansas City

A private plane carrying 11 skydivers and a pilot crashed Sunday near…
Knicks fans ignite school bus on fire

Knicks Fans Set School Bus Ablaze During Postgame Unrest

Celebrations over Knicks mania spiraled into chaos in Times Square, where fans…