AGP Executive Report

Skopje Film Buzz: Macedonian director Ana Opačić has entered postproduction on her debut feature Third Shift / Tretasmena, a North Macedonia–Croatia–Montenegro–Poland coproduction about an ageing music professor sent to rehab after a breakdown, with a cast led by Senko Velinov and Iskra Veterova. International Film Industry: Thessaloniki Film Festival’s Agora Crossroads Forum picked 14 projects from 15 countries, adding a new Frenel Post Lab post-production award and spotlighting themes from representation to folk tales and vampires. Tokyo Film Festival: The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival unveiled its full competition lineup, including North Macedonia-led Sister Brother Manhole Cover by Milcho Manchevski, alongside world premieres from Garin Nugroho and Mishima Yukiko. Cinema Release (Cyprus): Gothic fantasy Motherwitch (Dodekameron), directed by New York Emmy winner Minos Papas, lands in Cypriot cinemas in late October after a festival run. Arts & Culture (Sports Symbol Row): The Albanian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation condemned the removal of a double-headed eagle placed on Mount Korab, calling it a breach of respect in sport. EU/Politics Spillover: Bulgarian organizations in North Macedonia protested a proposal to include Bulgarians in the constitution with delayed effect, saying the EU accession process should bring clearer commitments. Local Spotlight (Sports on TV): North Macedonia vs Scotland in the UEFA Nations League is set for Oct 3 at the National Arena Tose Proeski, with BBC coverage and iPlayer streaming.

Mount Korab Symbol Row: The Albanian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation condemned the removal of a double-headed eagle placed by North Macedonian visitors on Mount Korab, calling it a blow to mutual respect and urging authorities to investigate and restore the symbol. Cinema Spotlight: Gothic fantasy feature Motherwitch (Dodekameron), directed by Minos Papas, is set for Cyprus cinemas in late October after a festival run that included Rotterdam; it also lands at Cyprus ComicCon with sets, costumes and screenings. Film Festival Buzz: Tokyo International Film Festival unveiled its 2026 competition lineup, including North Macedonia-led ensemble Sister Brother Manhole Cover by Milcho Manchevski, alongside multiple world premieres. Scotland vs North Macedonia (Sports + Media): Scotland’s new coach Sebastien Pocognoli heads to Skopje for Nations League action, with coverage on BBC Two Scotland and streaming via BBC iPlayer; the match comes after Scotland’s goalless start and Switzerland’s 3-0 win over North Macedonia. Health & Ethics Alert: A Thessaloniki clinic linked to Skopje was investigated after claims of expensive “electrical” cancer treatment, with a prosecutor stepping in over concerns about unregistered oncology practice and broad treatment promises.

Scotland vs North Macedonia spotlight: Scotland’s new boss Sébastien Pocognoli is heading into the Nations League with pressure on results after a goalless start vs Slovenia and a 3-0 loss to Switzerland at Hampden, while captain Andy Robertson prepares for his 100th cap and insists the squad will stay calm and focused ahead of the trip to Skopje. Basketball in Skopje: The FIBA Europe Cup has confirmed a full 48-team lineup for the 2026-27 regular season, with MZT Skopje Aerodrom included in Group E. Film & festivals: Ithaca Theater Festival 2026 wrapped with a multi-generation gathering of artists, and Slovenian director Lun Sevnik has finished filming debut feature The Healers. Local arts industry: Macedonian entrepreneur Blazo Gjorev co-hosted a BCIU business roundtable at New York’s Yale Club during UN General Assembly week, linking North Macedonia and the US. Culture & tradition: A Balkans-wide look at rakia highlights how rules vary across countries, with Bulgaria’s proposed changes sparking debate.

Music & Live Scene: Post-punk solo artist Spike Fuck dropped the single and video “GETTING SOBER,” from the upcoming debut album evidence (out Friday via Sacred Bones), with a run of shows including Skopje on Nov 10 at Cafe Kotur. Film & Festivals: Slovenian debut feature The Healers (Zdravilca) wrapped filming, starring Matevž Sluga, and follows a debt-strapped spiritual healer whose “miracles” spiral into family pressure. International Screen News: Gothic film Motherwitch (Dodekameron), directed by New York Emmy winner Minos Papas, announced Cyprus release dates after a festival run that included Rotterdam and Manaki Brothers in Bitola. Sports (Arts-adjacent spotlight): Scotland’s Nations League opener at Hampden ended 3-0 vs Switzerland, with Jack Hendry’s early red card shaping the night; the match also put North Macedonia on the radar after Slovenia beat North Macedonia 2-0 in the same round. EU Policy (context for regional culture funding): The EU is considering “gradual integration” for candidate countries into the single market, plus roadmaps for some advanced applicants—North Macedonia is mentioned as among those potentially affected by the new approach.

Film Production: Slovenian director Lun Sevnik has wrapped shooting on debut feature The Healers (Zdravilca), a debt-strapped “spiritual healer” story set across Ljubljana and Split, starring Matevž Sluga and Anvar Nikolenko. International Film Release: Minos Papas’ gothic Motherwitch (Dodekameron) is set for theatrical release in Cyprus (Oct 28 premiere; regular screenings from Oct 29) after a festival run that included Rotterdam and Manaki Brothers in Bitola. Cinema & Awards: The 47th Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers’ Film Festival in Bitola named Fatherland (Golden Camera 300) and highlighted regional premieres, while Bulgaria’s Golden Rose festival in Varna crowned The Dreamed Adventure as Best Film. Sports & Media (Scotland–Switzerland): Scotland’s new coach Sébastien Pocognoli faces Switzerland at Hampden in the Nations League, with multiple outlets pushing free-to-watch options via BBC channels and iPlayer. North Macedonia Border/Politics: North Macedonia denied entry to Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev for Iva Mihaylova’s Kočani court hearing, as Mihaylova cites deteriorating health and blocked access to treatment.

Nations League (Scotland): Sebastien Pocognoli’s Scotland era kicks off at Hampden as they host Switzerland, after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia. The Swiss arrive on a high after thrashing North Macedonia 3-0 in Skopje, with Remo Freuler and Zeki Amdouni starring. Nations League (Ireland): Bosun Lawal has joined the Republic of Ireland squad and will train ahead of the Austria clash, with his North Macedonia cap noted from March. EU Politics: The European Commission is set to propose reforms to bypass national vetoes in EU decision-making, aiming to speed up enlargement for candidates including North Macedonia. Border & Rights: North Macedonia denies entry to Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev for an Iva Mihaylova court hearing, while Mihaylova says her health is deteriorating and she needs treatment abroad. Arts & Film: Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska is remembered in an obituary; Manaki Brothers film festival honors top cinematography, while Milcho Manchevski presents documentary Good People on the Kochani tragedy. Tech & Culture: Iute Group launches iuteMarket inside its Myiute app in Albania and North Macedonia, adding in-app shopping for electronics, home goods, and refurbished devices.

Film & Festivals: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers Cinematographers’ Film Festival (47th) crowned Fatherland with the Golden Camera 300, while A Girl Unknown took Silver and Until the Day Ends won Bronze; the festival also honored Dan Laustsen and Jeff Cronenweth for lifetime contribution. Cinema Spotlight: At Bulgaria’s Golden Rose National Film Festival, Valeska Grisebach’s The Dreamed Adventure won Best Film, with Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov named Best Directors for Black Money for White Nights. Arts & Culture: Sofia’s 7th Urban Art festival transformed the underpass near Ivan Vazov Market with 30+ artists, including North Macedonian participants, turning neglected walls into a public art space with workshops, music, and a graffiti competition. Sports (Arts-adjacent): Scotland’s new manager Sébastien Pocognoli prepares for Hampden vs Switzerland after a 0-0 draw in Slovenia; Switzerland’s Nations League form includes a 3-0 win over North Macedonia. Border & Rights (Local impact): North Macedonia denied entry to Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev for Iva Mihaylova’s Kočani court hearing, as Mihaylova says her health is deteriorating and she needs treatment abroad.

Border & Courts: North Macedonia denied entry to Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev for Iva Mihaylova’s Kočani hearing, as Mihaylova says her health is deteriorating and she can’t get needed treatment in North Macedonia. EU Politics: The EU is drafting membership roadmaps with indicative timelines for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, while not initially extending them to North Macedonia. Regional Energy: Western Balkans leaders are set for Energy Week Western Balkans in Budva (Oct 6–7), aiming for 20 GW of new renewables by 2040. Film & Festivals: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers cinematography awards went to Fatherland (Golden Camera 300) and Until the Day Ends (Bronze), while Bulgaria’s Golden Rose crowned Valeska Grisebach’s The Dreamed Adventure. Arts & Culture: Sofia’s Urban Art festival turned a pedestrian underpass near Ivan Vazov Market into a live mural project with 30+ artists, including from North Macedonia. Sports (Nations League): Switzerland opened with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia; Scotland’s new coach Sébastien Pocognoli began with a 0-0 draw in Slovenia, with Scotland set to host Switzerland next.

Manaki Brothers Film Festival: Bitola’s 47th International Cinematographers’ Film Festival Manaki Brothers crowned Fatherland (Golden Camera 300) and honored A Girl Unknown (Silver) plus Until the Day Ends (Bronze), with documentary cinematography prizes shared for Krakatoa and The Beauty of the Donkey; the Golden Camera 300 for contribution went to Danish legend Dan Laustsen. Regional Film Spotlight: Germany’s The Dreamed Adventure won Best Film at Bulgaria’s 44th Golden Rose National Film Festival in Varna, while Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov took Best Director for Black Money for White Nights. Fashion & History: A new art-history feature explores how imported fabrics and elite status signals shaped women’s dress across 18th-century Dalmatia. Urban Arts: Sofia’s seventh Urban Art festival turned a pedestrian underpass near Ivan Vazov Market into a live canvas with 30+ artists, workshops, and music—featuring creators including North Macedonia’s Djo Venci’s calligraphy concept. Local Culture Lens: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski presented Good People, a documentary on the Kochani Pulse nightclub tragedy focused on survivors’ and rescuers’ firsthand stories. Tech & Commerce (Local angle): Iute Group launched iuteMarket inside its Myiute app in Albania and North Macedonia, letting users browse and buy partner products with financing—spanning electronics, home goods, beauty and fitness.

Macedonia in the spotlight (sports): Switzerland opened its UEFA Nations League campaign with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia in Skopje, with Remo Freuler scoring and Zeki Amdouni netting twice, leaving North Macedonia at the bottom after one match. Scotland-Nations League (sports): Scotland began a new era under Sébastien Pocognoli with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Ljubljana, with both sides failing to break through despite Scotland’s stronger second half. Swiss squad shake-up (sports): Switzerland also lost Breel Embolo from the Nations League squad after fresh reporting tied to forged COVID-19 test certificates, following captain Granit Xhaka’s earlier withdrawal over a similar scandal. Arts & film (culture): Acclaimed Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski presented his documentary Good People, focused on the Kochani Pulse nightclub tragedy, saying he wanted to hear stories from those directly affected. Urban art (culture): Sofia’s Urban Art festival transformed a pedestrian underpass near Ivan Vazov Market with 30+ artists, including participation from North Macedonia. Local arts industry (culture): CinEast Festival 2026 announced its selection, adding more momentum for regional screen culture.

North Macedonia in the spotlight: Switzerland’s Nations League campaign kicks off in Skopje, with North Macedonia set to host the first match of the window as Breel Embolo is ruled out after fresh reports tied to forged COVID-19 test documents. Scotland’s new era: Sébastien Pocognoli begins his Scotland reign with a Nations League opener vs Slovenia in Ljubljana, promising a more front-foot approach and calling up several uncapped players. Nations League matchday buzz: England host world champions Spain at Wembley, while France start their campaign with a win over Türkiye and Belgium open with a 2-0 away victory against Italy. Arts & culture (Skopje): Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska has died in Skopje, remembered for decades of work at Vardar Film’s animation studio. Film festival news: CinEast Festival 2026 announces its selection, including a Focus on Bulgaria strand and multiple international co-productions.

UEFA Nations League (TV/streaming): England host Spain at Wembley (Sept 26, 19:45 local). In the U.S., it’s on FS2 with streaming via fubo. Scotland’s Nations League opener: New boss Sébastien Pocognoli starts with Slovenia vs Scotland in Ljubljana (Stadion Stožice, 2pm BST). Coverage in the UK is on BBC One/BBC One Scotland, with BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport streaming. Sports-to-culture link: A local guide to Ljubljana spotlights the city’s “dragons” theme as Scotland’s Tartan Army arrives for the new era. Macedonian arts (loss): Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska has died in Skopje at 78; she helped shape Vardar Film’s animation output and received major national honors. Film festival (region): CinEast Festival 2026 announces its selection, with a strong international and co-production presence and multiple sidebar programs. Human rights & politics (EU-North Macedonia): MEP Ivaylo Valchev says the EP’s next North Macedonia report should include the Iva Mihaylova case, following EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee discussions. Sports cooperation: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan sign an MoU on sports cooperation after a Skopje delegation visit to Baku.

Sports & Diplomacy: Switzerland’s Nations League plans take a hit as Breel Embolo is dropped from the squad over forged COVID-19 documents, days after captain Granit Xhaka withdrew after admitting a fake certificate—Switzerland still opens against North Macedonia. EU Human Rights: In Skopje, MEP Ivaylo Valchev says the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee conclusions include a cross-border cooperation clause for humanitarian cases, while he pushes to have the Iva Mihaylova case named in the EP’s next North Macedonia report. Film & Culture: Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska has died in Skopje at 78, remembered for decades of work at Vardar Film’s Animation Studio and for directing the short “The End / Kraj.” Cinema Spotlight: The 44th Golden Rose Film Festival in Varna crowns Valeska Grisebach’s “The Dreamed Adventure” with the top Golden Rose Trophy. Sports Cooperation: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan sign an MoU on sports cooperation after a visit by Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski.

Golden Rose Film Festival: Valeska Grisebach’s The Dreamed Adventure won the top Golden Rose Trophy at the 44th Golden Rose Film Festival, also picking up the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers’ Award, with the jury praising its camera work, locations and non-professional performances. Macedonian Animation Legacy: Skopje lost pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska (78), one of North Macedonia’s first animation professionals, whose decades of work at Vardar Film helped shape the country’s animated-film output. CinEast 2026: CinEast Festival 2026 announced its selection, with a packed programme spanning main competition, young talents, and multiple sidebar sections, plus a Focus on Bulgaria spotlighting films and filmmakers. Nations League Culture-to-Sport Link: Scotland’s new era under Sebastien Pocognoli kicks off with Nations League matches that include a trip to face North Macedonia, while Hearts winger Josh McPake is tipped for a start and Scotland’s squad reshuffle keeps North Macedonia in the spotlight. Sports Diplomacy: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan signed an MoU on sports cooperation during a visit by Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski.

Obituary: Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska has died in Skopje at 78. A Vardar Film/Skopje Animation School veteran, she worked on more than 20 animated films and helped shape the country’s animation standards, later receiving major honors including the Golden Frame Award (2021) and Golden Lens Award (2023). Film & Festivals: CinEast Festival 2026 has announced its selection, with a packed programme of 65+ feature films and 60+ shorts across 120+ screenings, plus concerts, debates, and exhibitions. This year’s spotlight is Bulgaria, with multiple Bulgarian films and filmmakers in attendance, alongside avant-premieres of two Luxembourg coproductions. Sports & Culture (Local relevance): UEFA Nations League 2026-27 kicks off this week, with North Macedonia in Group B1 against Scotland, Switzerland, and Slovenia—setting up a busy run of matches that also intersects with major public attention on the region’s football scene. Cinema Production: Slovenian director Lun Sevnik has wrapped shooting on The Healers, a Slovenian/Macedonian/Czech/Croatian/French coproduction, starring Matevž Sluga and featuring a “miracle healer” story set in Ljubljana’s spiritual circles.

Sports Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski visited Azerbaijan and signed a sports cooperation MoU with host youth and sports officials, aiming to expand exchanges and joint initiatives. Football & Culture: Scotland’s new coach Sebastien Pocognoli is set to open his Nations League era in Ljubljana, with North Macedonia in the same group and the spotlight on a squad reshuffle; meanwhile, the wider Nations League schedule keeps North Macedonia’s matches in view. Film Production: Slovenian director Lun Sevnik has wrapped shooting on The Healers / Zdravilca, a Slovenian-Macedonian coproduction filmed in Slovenia and Croatia, following a debt-strapped healer pulled into a “miracle” story. Arts & Film Festivals: Storyland International Film Festival in Slovenia handed out Golden Pumpkins, with The Old Oak winning fiction and Trillion taking documentary honors. Weather & Season Mood: A cold spell brought the first snow of the season to parts of the Balkans, including high areas in the region.