AGP Executive Report

Film & Oscars: North Macedonia’s Oscar bid is set: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been chosen as the country’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards (Best International Feature Film), a North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia coproduction inspired by a real event and already backed by festival wins including Best International Debut at Jerusalem. Digital Safety: UNICEF’s new report Through Children’s Eyes warns that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries face tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media—an especially urgent issue for North Macedonia as the study includes the country. Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance have been adopted across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, aiming to strengthen journalism as a public good and tackle disinformation. Sports (Local Interest): EuroVolley 2026’s countdown is on in Sofia, with a giant volleyball installation unveiled in Sveta Nedelya Square; Bulgaria’s opening match features North Macedonia.

Oscar Watch (Film): North Macedonia’s Oscar bid is set with Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17, a North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia coproduction about a 17-year-old facing trauma, secrets, identity, sexuality, and pressure; the film was produced by Black Cat Production with regional partners and support from local film agencies, and it’s already picked up awards including Best International Debut at Jerusalem and Best director (shared) at Herceg Novi. UNICEF & Youth Safety (Digital Media): UNICEF’s new report Through Children’s Eyes estimates that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social platforms; it also highlights severe mental health impacts and that most victims don’t report to authorities. Regional Screenings (Documentary): The Serbian documentary Yugo Goes to America is rolling into cinemas across the region, with screenings scheduled in North Macedonia as part of its wider theatrical run. Arts & Culture Calendar (Film Festival): The Manaki Brothers Film Festival has unveiled its programme for its 47th edition in Bitola (19–25 September), including a main competition of 12 films and industry events with major cinematography names.

North Macedonia in the Oscars spotlight: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The teen-led coproduction (North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia) is inspired by a real-life event and explores identity, sexuality, trauma and societal pressure; it’s produced by Black Cat Production and backed by local film agencies, with Totem Films acquiring it ahead of a Berlinale Perspectives premiere. Digital safety and media governance: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse/exploitation in a year, with about 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media—while UNESCO backs rights-based, multi-stakeholder recommendations to improve digital platform and online media governance across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Screening news: Serbian documentary Yugo Goes to America is set for cinema screenings across the region, including North Macedonia, starting 3 September.

Digital Safety Watch: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (1 in 5) aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp; the study also links abuse to far higher risks of anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and notes that most cases go unreported. Cinema & Culture: Serbia’s documentary “Yugo Goes to America” is set for screenings across the region, including North Macedonia, bringing a road-trip story about the cult Yugo to local audiences. Film Festival Buzz: Skopje’s MakeDox wrapped with “Tristan Forever” winning the Onion Award for Best Film, while other prizes went to regional and international documentaries. Local Court & Rights: The Iva Mihaylova traffic case in Kocani continues, with the next hearing set for September 28, as her supporters press for access to medical treatment abroad.

Digital Safety: UNICEF warns 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 faced online sexual abuse, as Meta settles a US case and limits teen access to Instagram/Facebook to two hours daily with night blocks. Cinema in the Region: “Yugo Goes to America” lands in North Macedonia cinemas in September, following Serbian millennials’ road trip in the iconic Yugo and festival success at CPH:DOX and Beldocs. Skopje Arts & Film: MakeDox Creative Documentary Film Festival in Skopje crowned “Tristan Forever” with the Onion Award, with sold-out evenings and 71 documentaries screened. Local Film Spotlight: Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveils its 47th Bitola programme (19–25 Sept), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Court & Rights: The Iva Mihaylova case continues in Kocani, with her treatment travel dispute and next hearing set for September 28. Sports & North Macedonia Link: Scott McTominay’s mild benign arrhythmia means surgery and a likely miss of Scotland’s Nations League games that include a North Macedonia fixture in Skopje. Media Business: Telekom Srbija plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional TV footprint.

Courtroom Drama: The Kocani Basic Court heard final non-expert testimony in the Iva Mihaylova case, starting accident-reconstruction evidence; the next hearing is set for September 28, with Mihaylova still fighting to get medical treatment outside North Macedonia. Human Rights & Politics: Bulgarian MPs backed Mihaylova outside court, arguing her rights are being violated and pushing for guarantees of fair trial and access to healthcare. Film & Culture: Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveiled its 47th programme in Bitola (19–25 September), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen receiving a lifetime award. Documentary Spotlight: MakeDox in Skopje crowned Tristan Forever (Onion Award for Best Film), while other prizes went to regional and international documentary makers. Performing Arts: Targovishte Puppet Theatre will bring Adventures with Karlsson to an international puppet festival in Podgorica (Sept 2–5). Media Business: Telekom Srbija notified competition authorities it plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional media footprint.

Court & Rights: In Kocani, the Basic Court heard the final non-expert witness and began accident-reconstruction expert testimony in the Iva Mihaylova case after a fatal crash; a police officer said he didn’t see the collision, while an expert report claims her car crossed about 90 cm into the oncoming lane. Medical Access Fight: Mihaylova says prosecutors oppose permission for treatment abroad unless her condition is life-threatening, and her supporters argue her civil and human rights are being blocked; the case may also head toward the European Court of Human Rights. Film & Culture: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its 47th edition (19–25 Sept), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Documentary Spotlight: MakeDox in Skopje crowned Tristan Forever with the Onion Award for Best Film, while From Red Lights to Limelights won the Moral Approach Award. Arts & Theatre: Targovishte Puppet Theatre will bring Adventures with Karlsson to the International Puppet Festival in Podgorica (2–5 Sept). Sports (Local Relevance): Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, affecting Nations League matches that include North Macedonia.

Manaki Brothers Film Festival: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers’ Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its 47th edition (19–25 September), with 12 films in the main competition, Wally Pfister chairing the jury, and Dan Laustsen receiving the Golden Camera 300 Lifetime Achievement Award. Documentary spotlight: BGNES film The Creeping Frontiers of the Serbian World is set to screen, tracing how the “Serbian World” idea evolved from Milošević-era policy into today’s influence strategy across the region, including interviews with figures from North Macedonia. Film awards in the region: Tristan Forever won Best Film at MakeDox in Skopje, while Montenegro’s Herceg Novi/Montenegro Film Festival crowned Goran Stanković’s Our Father as the biggest winner. Court and rights (media angle): The Kocani Basic Court continues the case against Iva Mihaylova, with the next hearing set for 28 September, as Bulgarian MPs argue her access to medical treatment and civil rights should be guaranteed. Local culture & youth: The Targovishte Puppet Theatre will perform in Podgorica (2–5 September) with Adventures with Karlsson, bringing a children’s jury element to the international festival. Arts & society: A North Macedonia press-freedom lawyer highlights the rise of SLAPP-style pressure on journalists, shifting from classic defamation suits to broader intimidation tactics.

Design & Architecture: The A’ Design Award & Competition’s 2026–2027 call for entries is now open, with the latest roundup highlighting 20 winning projects across 196 categories, from architecture and interiors to product and interaction design. Court & Rights: In Kocani, the Basic Court heard the next stage of the case against Iva Mihaylova over a fatal 2025 traffic crash; the trial is set to resume September 28 with accident-reconstruction expert testimony, while Bulgarian politicians argue her civil and human rights and access to treatment in Bulgaria must be guaranteed. Performing Arts: Targovishte State Puppet Theatre will represent Bulgaria at Podgorica’s International Puppet Festival (Sept 2–5) with “Adventures with Karlsson,” based on Astrid Lindgren, featuring music by David Kokonchev. Film: Skopje’s MakeDox Creative Documentary Festival crowned Switzerland’s “Tristan Forever” with the Onion Award for Best Film, while “To the West, In Zapata” won the Young Onion Award. Local Culture: Bosnian artist Amer Hadžić opened his solo exhibition “WHATEVER” at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery as part of the venue’s 50th-anniversary program, running with 28 works exploring identity and modern life. Demographics & Education: North Macedonia’s first-grade intake is sharply down for 2026–27, with expectations of fewer classes and potential closures of small rural schools. Media Business: Telekom Srbija says it plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional media footprint. Sports (Regional): Cablenet and Arena Sport signed a three-year deal to broadcast Cypriot club matches in North Macedonia and other Balkan markets.

Montenegro Film Festival Buzz: Goran Stanković’s debut feature Our Father swept the 39th Herceg Novi Film Festival (now the Montenegro Film Festival), taking the Grand Golden Mimosa, the Zoran Živković Plaque, and the FEDEORA critics’ award, while lead actor Vučić Perović won Golden Mimosa and Stanković shared Best Director; domestic hit Black Trumpet also landed major recognition. Skopje Documentary Spotlight: The 17th MakeDox Creative Documentary Film Festival in Skopje crowned Swiss film Tristan Forever with the Onion Award for Best Film, with From Red Lights to Limelights winning the Moral Approach Award; seven of eight evenings reportedly sold out. Media Business Move: Telekom Srbija says it plans to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, expanding its regional media footprint that already includes Arena Sport and Euronews TV. Press Freedom Focus: Bojana Davitkovska reflects on years defending journalists in North Macedonia, highlighting today’s shift toward SLAPP-style pressure and online campaigns. Local Arts & Culture: The solo exhibition WHATEVER by Bosnian painter Amer Hadžić opened at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery, blending memory, architecture, and pop-culture motifs.

MakeDox in Skopje: Swiss documentary Tristan Forever won the Onion Award for Best Film at the 17th MakeDox Creative Documentary Film Festival, while Latvian minority coproduction From Red Lights to Limelights took the Moral Approach Award; the festival ran across five Skopje locations with 71 documentaries and seven sold-out evenings. Film & culture abroad: Montenegro’s Golden Mimosa competition at the Herceg Novi Film Festival features regional co-productions, with 24 documentaries and a large student slate, plus a closing screening of To Hold a Mountain / Planina. Media business: Telekom Srbija notified North Macedonia’s competition authority it plans to acquire River Media (owner of Una Televizija), expanding its regional TV footprint. Arts in North Macedonia: Bosnian artist Amer Hadžić opened the solo exhibition WHATEVER at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery, presenting 28 works. Demographics & schools: North Macedonia expects a steep drop in first-graders for 2026-27, with rural school closures looming. Press freedom spotlight: Bojana Davitkovska discusses defending journalists amid rising SLAPP lawsuits and online intimidation.

Media & Culture Diplomacy: The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomes the Balkans as Guest of Honour, spotlighting the region’s literary and artistic legacy. Arts & Entertainment (Palestine): Roger Waters, Annie Ernaux and Guy Pearce join an open letter urging the Venice Biennale/Film Festival to take “concrete action” for Palestine, including a call to raise the Palestinian flag throughout the event. North Macedonia Sports Media: Telekom Srbija says it plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional media footprint that already includes Arena Sport and Euronews. Local Arts: Bosnian artist Amer Hadžić opens solo exhibition “WHATEVER” at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery in North Macedonia, mixing memory, architecture and pop-culture motifs. Demographics & Education: North Macedonia reports a steep drop in first-graders for 2026-27, with school closures expected as cohorts shrink. Press Freedom: Bojana Davitkovska discusses how SLAPPs and online campaigns are reshaping the pressure faced by journalists in North Macedonia. Regional Screen Industry: CineLink Industry Days 2026 wraps with award-winning projects from Sarajevo Film Festival’s market and drama programs. Music & Festivals: Prespes 2026 festival kicks off with five days of culture, music and gastronomy.

Balkans at Abu Dhabi Book Fair: The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomes the Balkans as Guest of Honour, spotlighting the region’s literary giants (including Ivo Andrić) plus its music, visual arts, architecture and folklore—an easy cultural win for readers across the region. Media Business: Telekom Srbija has notified North Macedonia’s competition watchdog of its plan to acquire Belgrade-based River Media, owner of Una Televizija, expanding its regional TV footprint. Skopje Football Buzz: New Raiders centre back Richard Brown is reportedly close to signing with FK Skopje after a 15-day trial, with the club impressed by his fit and recovery history. Press Freedom Spotlight: Bojana Davitkovska reflects on years defending journalists in North Macedonia, including today’s shift toward SLAPP-style pressure and online intimidation. Local Arts: Amer Hadžić’s “WHATEVER” opens at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery, mixing oil/acrylic works with themes of identity, memory and pop culture. Education Demographics: First-grade enrolment for 2026-27 is already sharply down versus last year, with expected class cuts and rural school closures.

Skopje Arts & Culture: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is welcoming the Balkans as Guest of Honour, spotlighting the region’s literary giants (including Ivo Andrić) plus its wider cultural mix of music, visual arts, architecture and folklore. Media & Entertainment Business: Telekom Srbija has notified North Macedonia’s competition watchdog that it plans to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, adding to its regional TV footprint (including Una Televizija and stakes tied to Arena Sport and Euronews). Local Arts Spotlight: Bosnian painter Amer Hadžić opened his solo exhibition “WHATEVER” at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery in North Macedonia, blending oil/acrylic works that mix memory, architecture, graffiti and pop culture. Press Freedom: Bojana Davitkovska discusses defending journalists in North Macedonia amid rising SLAPP lawsuits and online intimidation campaigns. Education & Demographics: The 2026-27 school year is already set to start with far fewer first-graders than last year, forcing class and rural school closures. Sports Media: Cablenet expands sports content via a new Arena Sport agreement, bringing regional football coverage to North Macedonia.

Venice4Palestine Call: Roger Waters, Annie Ernaux and Guy Pearce join an open letter urging the Venice Biennale and Venice Film Festival to take “concrete action” for Palestine, including raising the Palestinian flag for the full festival. Regional Media Deal: Telekom Srbija says it plans to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, expanding its Balkans media footprint via Una Televizija and stakes tied to sports and news channels. Press Freedom Spotlight (North Macedonia): Bojana Davitkovska discusses how journalists increasingly face SLAPP lawsuits and coordinated online pressure, not just classic defamation cases. Skopje Demographics: North Macedonia’s first-graders are down sharply for 2026–27, with school network changes expected as rural schools face closure. Arts in North Macedonia: Bosnian artist Amer Hadžić opens “WHATEVER” at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery, mixing memory, architecture and pop-culture motifs. Sports & Culture Broadcasts: MRT is listed among broadcasters covering Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, with wider regional partners joining.

Media & Business: Telekom Srbija says it plans to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, owner of Una Televizija, adding to its regional TV footprint that already includes Arena Sport and Euronews. Arts & Culture: The Kavadarci Museum Gallery in North Macedonia opened Amer Hadžić’s solo exhibition “WHATEVER,” featuring 28 works exploring identity, memory, consumerism and the digital world. Film: Sarajevo Film Festival wrapped up with Sandra Wollner’s “Everytime” winning the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Film, plus the CICAE Award. Press Freedom: Bojana Davitkovska discusses how North Macedonia’s journalists face growing pressure beyond classic defamation suits, including SLAPP cases and coordinated online attacks. Education: Skopje’s school intake keeps shrinking—first-grade enrolment for 2026-27 is already far below last year’s figures, forcing class and school closures. Sports Media: Cablenet expands its regional football reach via a three-year Arena Sport deal, with matches broadcast in North Macedonia and neighboring markets.