User reviews

I saw the movie two days ago and I still can't stop thinking of it! Very impressive! Through the fate of Alexander and his family the movie accurately portrays the tragic fate of the Macedonian people from Northern Greece denied of any national rights and scattered all over the world. It may be a little confusing to non-Macedonian viewers, but the movie is so powerful that I hope it will inspire them to learn more about Macedonians and Macedonia. Surprisingly, citing "hate provoking inter ethnic themes" in the movie, the Macedonian Government tried to ban it before its premiere in October 2018. Luckily it was too late since the movie was already sent to the 42nd Montreal World Film Festival where it won the Innovation Award. The timing of the premiere makes this movie even more interesting and thought provoking, since just two weeks ago there was a referendum in Republic of Macedonia for changing its constitutional name to Republic of Northern Macedonia. Even though the referendum was widely boycotted and only less than 37% of the population cast their ballots, the government has started the motion for changing the country's name. We still don't know whether that's due to corruption, outside pressure or just because of false promises. Unfortunately, the Macedonian tragedy continues...

I watched the movie during the special screening in Toronto-24.Mar.2019. Overall the movie is good, in fact very good but not excellent. However, considering the very low budget and very limited production team this movie deserves review mark 10 from 10. Excellent achievements:

• Emotional storyline which is generating impressions long after the screening. Wonderful control of the story during back and forward of the developing flow. Final message that is provoking further visualization, discussions and sustainable debate.
• Balanced view at the historical and today's Balkan situation with clear attempting for careful approach bringing to the viewer the differences between the positions of the different ethnical groups.
• Wonderful wide angle footage with mastered control of day light, assuming 16 mm lens on steady camera. Clearly the cameraman did master peaces in this regard. Very successful indoor footages with impressive details on old monastery. Stunning compositions on footages from normal 50 mm focal distance up to 35 or 24mm.
• The best scene-at the cemetery the main character is in internal dilemma to which funeral his presence belongs or is welcomed.

Room for improvements:

• Although the monologues of Sultana (Joana Popovska) are crucial to the storyline, my opinion is that in some moments are too long. Maybe it was opportunity to increase the effectiveness of her messages, especially the length of her moaning during the funeral scene.
• I am assuming, the main attempt during shooting some of the footages in confine space was to bring impressions of busyness of the subjects but using 100-135 mm focal distance on hand held camera moving on stairs brought to much shaking - effect that diverted the attention.

I am impatiently waiting for the next deliverables with personal expectation for huge artistic achievement from this production team, especially from the proven talent of the director and writer Jani Bojadzi.

Really enjoyed watching this movie. Jani Bojadzi is a special director with a true creative mind. I recommend checking it out!

Very creative, well thought out, this movie is the new Macedonian staple in cinematography. It meets all standards in terms of plot, production, cast, filming locations..it is perfect. Bojadzi is a genious and i appreciate his efforts in making this movie amid ridiculous political persecution in Macedonia from the current regime. Bojadzi gives the truth like no other. Bravo!!

Thank you for telling the story of my ancestors. Thanks for telling the story of Macedonia. The movie is great and it is shame that is banned in Macedonia.

What an incredible movie! This movie beautifully captures the current and historic timeline of Macedonia and it's shown through several viewpoints so it allows the viewer to follow along and watch from different lenses. The creativity, metaphors and imagery were top notch. This movie pulls on your heartstrings, makes you think, grounds you, and inspires you to connect with the actors who are all diverse in their own way and have their own story to tell. Great job to the creative, innovative, and courageous team behind this movie!