By: Cam’Ron Johnson
Marko Albrecht is a talented filmmaker known for his unique storytelling and visual style. His passion for creating films started in his childhood.
“My mom, Paivi, passed away when I was 16. She was an artist, photographer, and a writer from Finland and my father, John, was an architect for 30 years, who had meticulous planning and procedural vision,” said Albrecht. “There was this mix and calling in my DNA… sort of where art and science comes together.”
Aside from creating incredible films, Albrecht finds his greatest fulfillment in sharing his purpose with younger generations. He recently spoke at Kean University in a special topics writing class. He approaches every conversation he has with the youth aiming to install new mindsets about entering the workforce.
“Your passions may not be the best financial situations at the current stage of your life, but it is important to chase, seek and know where you want to go,” said Albrecht. “You have to see that on the horizon, know that it is bigger than you, and have that purpose and passion for it so that you can have the perseverance to get there.”
Being a film creator presents challenges like the many unseen hours of camerawork, staffing and writing scripts. However, staying content isn’t on Albrecht’s mind in the slightest. He is living testimony of the insight he shares.
“Practicing gratitude is an art form in itself, being grateful for every situation you are in is how you grow. I always want to get better, as a creator, manager, leader and father…It’s hard to be content but there is always gratitude,” said Albrecht.
As the Director of Video, Strategy and Production at Prison Fellowship, he and his crew tell stories of redemption and second chances with hopes to demonstrate how prisoners and their families can be restored through faith, actions and accepting consequences. The team works with one of the largest prison ministries, a faith based ministry. Albrecht prioritizes second chances because of his own experience of a second chance.
“Eight years ago my life changed… When I gave this job a mission based approach I realized it was bigger than me. Sometimes it takes a rock bottom experience for us to realize we only have a certain amount of time and we have to live a different way,” said Albrecht.
Albrecht has accomplished much in his 45 years of life. His first feature documentary, “SISU: Family, Love, and Perseverance from Finland to America,” is a deeply personal project that discusses his family’s journey and embodies resilience, determination, and perseverance. The film was inspired by his desire to honor the legacy of his mother and his Finnish-American heritage.
Another documentary film he’d been working on for some years titled “Vienna Suddenly an Angel,” recounts how “… a family that was living in New Jersey lost their daughter to an sudden, unexplained death… and that family goes on a mission to try and understand what happens…it brings a lot of awareness to that cause, this mission of turning grief into advocacy and pain into purpose,” said Albrecht. The film was set to be released at the Garden State film festival this past March.
Albrecht is a man who continues to pursue a dream that feels like destiny, but throughout his life he learned that there is more to the dream, having the reason to fuel his drive is what matters the most. For Albrecht, filmmaking isn’t just about storytelling, it’s about inspiring change, uplifting others, and reminding people that life is about more than just themselves.
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