Actor, director, screenwriter and producer Mentor Mataj is building his path in Albanian cinema through passion, dedication and the film project “Triumf Pa Lavdi” (“Triumph Without Glory”).
Mentor Mataj, born in Zapod, Kukës, is a creator who has chosen to pursue his dream in the world of cinema. From childhood, he nurtured a special passion for acting and film, constantly dreaming of the day he would be able to realize his projects.
Today, he does not see himself only as an actor, but also as a director, screenwriter and producer, taking on several of the main roles in the creation and realization of his film projects. A journey that did not begin with great opportunities, but with the desire to prove that a dream can come to life even when conditions are not favorable.
He took his first steps by making films with an iPhone. With the tools he had at his disposal, he began to experiment and build his experience, gradually understanding that passion was only the beginning and that to reach higher he had to invest more in his dream.
Faced with financial difficulties and a lack of support, Mataj decided to emigrate to the United Kingdom, aiming to secure the budget needed to realize his film project. It was a choice that required sacrifice and leaving the country, but for him it was a necessary step toward the goal he had pursued for years.
According to his account, on this journey he did not receive the support he had hoped for, either from individuals or from state institutions. Nevertheless, he decided to continue, relying on his work and perseverance.
“Triumf Pa Lavdi”, a dream that became reality
After efforts and sacrifices, Mentor Mataj made the film “Triumf Pa Lavdi”, which was released in cinemas on 27 November 2025.
In this project, he did not limit himself to acting in front of the camera. Mataj was also involved in directing, screenwriting and production, taking on several of the main responsibilities that carried the film from idea to audience.
For him, making the film was more than a professional achievement. It was the fulfillment of a dream that began in childhood, which required years of passion, work and sacrifice to become a concrete project.
After its cinema release, the film continued its journey on YouTube, where it reached around 2 million views within a relatively short period. The number of views, accompanied by audience reactions, made the project an important milestone in his journey as a filmmaker.
Many viewers praised the film through their comments, while part of the audience expressed a desire for a continuation of the story. This interest became further motivation for Mataj, who aims to continue with new projects and improve his experience in cinema.
A new chapter with “Triumf Pa Lavdi 2”
The public’s interest in a sequel to the film has paved the way for the new project, “Triumf Pa Lavdi 2”. Mentor Mataj is preparing to start filming, aiming to bring a new story and further develop the universe created in the first film.
This project represents a new challenge in his journey as an actor, director, screenwriter and producer. The experience gained from the first film and the audience’s reactions are elements that can help in building an even more ambitious work.
From a young man in Zapod, Kukës, who began making films with a phone, to the creation of a film that reached millions of views on YouTube, the story of Mentor Mataj is a journey built on the desire never to give up on a dream.
For him, “Triumf Pa Lavdi” is not merely the title of a film. It is proof of a personal effort and of a goal that continues to grow. With the second project on the horizon, Mataj aims to write the next chapter of his journey in Albanian cinema.
Mentor Mataj
Mentor Mataj
Mentor Mataj
Mentor Mataj