088- Chris Camaj, Actor

Actor Chris Camaj joins Zef Cota for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up Albanian-American in Queens, old-school New York, and the unconventional path that eventually led him into acting.

Chris talks about his early years around the independent hip-hop scene, appearing in Spike Lee’s 25TH HOUR, and later deciding to seriously pursue acting, including his role in THE WANNABE and working alongside actors including Patricia Arquette, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert Miano.

The conversation goes beyond career stories into what makes a good director, the importance of communication and authenticity on set, the reality behind the “smoke and mirrors” of the entertainment business, and why persistence matters in an industry where nothing is guaranteed.

Chris and Zef also get into Albanian and New York culture, GOMORRAH, SINNERS, THE GODFATHER, loyalty, social media, and why some of the best filmmaking makes you feel like you’ve been dropped directly into another world.

A funny, candid and very New York conversation about acting, movies, culture and staying true to who you are.