Elia Zaharia
8 February 1983 Tirana, Albania
Elia is the daughter of George Zaharia and Yllka Muji. Her father originates from Kosova of Permeti, a region of Southern Albania. Whilst the Muji family come from Podgorica, Montenegro, latter moving to Albania’s northern City of Shkoder during the Monarchist period.
George Zaharia has 35 years educational experience, while Yllka was given the title of “Maestro of Arts” in recognition of her career in the National theatre. Elia has one Brother, Amos Muji- Zaharia who is a film director.
Education
2007-2010: St. Denis University, Paris 8 (theatre)
2005-2007: Cours Florent (Private acting)
2003-2005: National Conservatory of Bordeaux (art drama)
1998-2002: Arts Lyceum Jordan Misja (Art, Scenography)
Theater
2007: Asservies, by Suy GLOVER (www.asservies.com)
2007: Lady M, produced by Laurie Jesson (www.ladym.fr)
2010: Sacrées mousquetaires, produced by Laurie Jesson (www.sacreesmousquetaires.fr)
2011: Teacher at the Marubi Film Academy, Acting
2011: The Crucible, Arthur Miller, Albanian National Theater
2011: Amaro amore, By Carlo Bruni, Albanian National Theater
2012: Forget Love, By Erion Kame, Albanian National Comedy Theatre
Cinema
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Elia is very interested in the film industry, taking part in a number of short script films in France, whilst supporting her brothers projects in Albanian. Her major film projects are listed below:
2008: « Honeymoons » by Goran Paskaljevic
2005: main role in « Solitaire » by Bahram GUERANFAR
2002: main role in « Lule te kuqe, lule te zeza » by Melvan Shanaj. www.zigzagfilm.com (won first prize in the 2004 “independent” film festival in New York
Music
From a young age Elia has shown vocal talent for light Albanian Music. From 1999 until 2002 Elia took part in a successful girls group called “Spirit Voice”, giving her the opportunity to take part in concerts throughout the Albanian region, including war torn Kosova, where the group was very active in supporting the humanitarian aid activities.
Spirit Voice was recognised with a number of prestigious National festival awards and remained the best group until Elia left to France to continue her studies. In 2008 Elia returned to the hit boards as a solo artist with the song “October 31”, where she won best female artist video-feste Pristine, Kosova.
Languages
Albanian, French, English, Italian
Hobbies
Art, Music, Theatre, Reading and Swimming