Production has officially started on the feature film Five Days at Sea, the new film by Croatian director Ivana Škrabalo, with North Macedonian company Minimal Collective joining the project as co-producer through producer Ivana Shekutkoska.

The film recently entered production in Croatia and is being developed as a Croatian–Macedonian co-production, further strengthening regional collaboration between filmmakers from Southeast Europe. Directed and written by Ivana Škrabalo, Five Days at Sea is described as an intimate feature drama set against the backdrop of the Adriatic coast.

For Minimal Collective and producer Ivana Shekutkoska, the project marks another important international collaboration following a series of successful regional and European co-productions. The Skopje-based company continues to expand its presence in auteur-driven cinema with projects spanning fiction and documentary film.

HAVC • Novosti

The upcoming feature film The Pot, the Lid and the Nurse, directed by Vardan Tozija and produced by Ivana Shekutkoska through Minimal Collective, has been selected among the projects supported in the SEE Cinema Network 2025 Funding Round.

The project was chosen as North Macedonia’s representative in the regional initiative, which supports feature film development and international co-productions across Southeast Europe. As part of the selection, the film received €9,000 in development funding alongside seven other projects from the region.

Directed by acclaimed Macedonian filmmaker Vardan Tozija, The Pot, the Lid and the Nurse marks his third feature film project. The film is being developed as an international co-production between North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia.

The project continues the growing international trajectory of producer Ivana Shekutkoska and Minimal Collective, following a series of successful appearances at regional and European industry platforms. Earlier this year, the project also received the CINELAB Romania Award at Sofia Meetings, further strengthening its international development path.

2025 Funding Round

In the quaint setting of a small town, where the echoes of tradition mingle with the humdrum of everyday life, director Sandra Gjorgjeva and writer Jakov Popovski bring forth a stirring narrative in their short featured film “Certificate of Life.”

At the heart of the story lies Vera, a 75-year-old widow navigating the labyrinthine corridors of bureaucracy. Her tranquil existence is abruptly disrupted when the city administration mistakenly declares her deceased. What ensues is a poignant tale of resilience and identity as Vera embarks on a journey to reclaim her rightful status in the eyes of the law.

Yet, beyond the bureaucratic hurdles lies a deeper existential struggle. Vera’s battle with the system becomes a mirror reflecting her inner turmoil—a storm stirred by the loss of her husband, the looming specter of loneliness, and the pressing need to remain an integral part of her family’s tapestry.

As Vera grapples with the Kafkaesque complexities of proving her existence, the looming shadow of Easter—a time of renewal and rebirth—casts its poignant glow. For Vera, Easter isn’t just a religious holiday; it’s a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. It’s the thread that binds her to her family, anchoring her to a sense of belonging in a world that threatens to erase her very identity.

In the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, “Certificate of Life” emerges as a timeless allegory—a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Through Vera’s journey, Gjorgjeva and Popovski weave a narrative that resonates on a universal level, touching upon themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for belonging.

What elevates “Certificate of Life” beyond mere storytelling is its grounding in reality. Inspired by true events, the film offers a poignant reflection of the struggles faced by countless individuals navigating the labyrinth of bureaucracy and grappling with the existential void left by loss.

As the credits roll and Vera’s journey comes to an end, viewers are left with a lingering sense of introspection—a gentle reminder of the fragility of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. “Certificate of Life” stands not just as a cinematic masterpiece but as a timeless ode to the triumph of the human soul.
The film was developed at Midpoint institute and secured funding from the Agency of Film of North Macedonia.

In a significant stride towards bringing captivating storytelling to global audiences, Premium Films has announced its acquisition of worldwide distribution rights for the short feature film “Are You a Man,” directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Gjorce Stavreski.

The announcement comes as a testament to the exceptional quality and compelling narrative of Stavreski’s latest creation, which has garnered widespread acclaim on the festival circuit. Set against the backdrop of a thought-provoking storyline, “Are You a Man” delves deep into the complexities of identity and self-discovery, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions and societal constructs.

Stavreski’s unique directorial vision, coupled with masterful storytelling and stellar performances from the cast, has positioned “Are You a Man” as a standout piece in the realm of short films. Through its evocative portrayal of characters grappling with existential questions, the film strikes a chord with audiences, resonating long after the credits roll.

With Premium Films onboard as the worldwide distributor, “Are You a Man” is poised to reach even greater heights, transcending geographical boundaries to captivate viewers across diverse cultural landscapes. Leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the global distribution arena, Premium Films aims to maximize the film’s reach and impact, ensuring that it finds its rightful place among audiences worldwide.

For Stavreski, the partnership with Premium Films marks a significant milestone in his filmmaking journey, providing a platform to share his artistic vision with a global audience. Speaking about the collaboration, Stavreski expressed his excitement at the prospect of “Are You a Man” reaching new horizons and touching the hearts of viewers around the world.

As anticipation builds for the worldwide release of “Are You a Man,” audiences can look forward to experiencing a cinematic masterpiece that transcends boundaries and challenges perceptions. With Premium Films at the helm of distribution, the stage is set for Stavreski’s thought-provoking exploration of identity to leave an indelible mark on the global film landscape.