Mariana Kondi: The acting profession in Albania is dead; today, art is no longer being made…

The well-known actress Mariana Kondi looks back in time to recount her long journey in art, a path where passion has turned into a mission.

With decades on stage and screen, she speaks about her beginnings, the roles that have marked her, and the sacrifices she has made to fully dedicate herself to acting. For Kondi, art is not simply a profession, but a way to speak to people about the deepest human emotions—love, life, and time.

In this interview for “Panorama,” the actress also անդրlines today’s reality of art in Albania, for which she says: “Today there is no art, only applications.”

She talks about the lack of a proper market for actors, the challenges faced by the younger generation, and the intuition that has accompanied her throughout her career. Meanwhile, the success of the film “Falli” and her presence at the prestigious “Berlinale” festival mark another meaningful moment in her artistic journey, turning this conversation into a deep reflection on art, time, and the actor’s mission.

Mariana, what was the first moment in your life when you realized that acting was not just a passion, but a mission?

“Mirela,” a comedy by Leka Bungo… a pianist in love, caught between the dilemma of career and starting a family. So, acting is a mission and not just a passion, because by interpreting the role, you speak to people about something as beautiful as love, at any age—as I did when I played a 50-year-old woman. It is worth mentioning that I performed this role when I was 27.

How has your childhood influenced the artistic character you have today?

Not only childhood, but every day in an actor’s life is a real influence on the profession we have.

What have been the greatest sacrifices you have made for art?

My sacrifice for art is my career. The fact that I have only one child shows my seriousness toward acting. In short, my greatest sacrifice is that I have given my entire life to art.

Have there been moments when you wanted to give up? What kept you going?

I have never truly had doubts, because I have been appreciated for my work and talent.

We are curious to know how Mariana has evolved as a woman and as an artist over the years?

I am a very good artist, who knows how to portray not only a woman, but everything related to the mission of a woman in this life.

You have spent decades on stage and screen—what role was the turning point in your career as an artist?

Nafija, which today feels even more relevant than it did back then.

From your perspective, as an artist who experienced the change of system, how has making art in Albania changed from your beginnings until today?

In fact, in my opinion, today there is no art, only applications. (laughs)

Do you think actors today have it easier or harder to build a stable career?

In my opinion, the acting market in Albania today is nonexistent.

Let’s talk about you and your roles in cinema. What do you look for in a script to accept a role?

To make a film, you need three things: 1. a good script, 2. a good script, and 3. a good script!

How important is intuition in Mariana’s artistic choices?

Intuition is absolute! One of my defining traits that has made me востребed in all acting genres has been intuition, which has never failed me.

What attracted you to the role in the film “Falli,” which has been very successful and widely discussed?

What attracted me to “Falli” was the script, which speaks about ignorance, and I saw this as a mission for two reasons: first, to understand what people want today, and second, to support young directors.

What was the preparation process like for this character? Did it challenge you emotionally?

What remained a special experience for me was learning the “pi Dibre” language and experiencing the emotions of this distinctive character. As for the challenge, it did not challenge me emotionally, but I felt even greater responsibility than the director.

What message do you think “Falli” conveys to the audience?

“Falli” conveys an extraordinary message to the audience, which I believe fully fulfills my mission in this profession! People should return to God, who created us, to find love, comfort, and each other.

How did you experience the audience’s reaction after the film’s release?

I am surprised and have understood that the audience wants something simple and direct, far from complex artistic codes! Simplicity is more difficult in art!

Do you think this film marks a new chapter in your career?

This film does not mark a new chapter in my career, but it marks a strong beginning for the new generation of cinematography. Meanwhile, you received an invitation to attend “Berlinale,” the 76th International Film Festival.

What does participating in such a prestigious festival mean to you personally and professionally?

“Berlinale” was a checklist achievement in my career, arriving late, but it is worth emphasizing that it was one of the most dignified representations of the Albanian cinematographic center! How did you feel representing Albanian cinema on an international stage? I closely witnessed the extraordinary work of the relevant people in building connections with some of the most important producers in Europe and worldwide.

After a lifetime on stage and in film, what would you say to the younger Mariana who was just starting her journey in art?

Nothing more than what I told myself when I started this profession, because times may change, but Mariana never!

What motivates you today, after so many achievements? And what is your message to the new generation of Albanian actors?

New projects motivate me! This profession knows no age! We say that an actor has no right to fall ill, has no right to die, if they still have something to give! And to sum it up, just as I played a 50-year-old when I was only 27, today I say I can even play a 40-year-old, because acting can both age you and rejuvenate you, if your spirit is full! This is exactly my message to the new generations of acting, or to those who dream of becoming like me. (laughs)

“KORÇA BOOM”