AGP Executive Report

Streaming & Sports Culture: Paramount’s four-part tennis docuseries Aces: The ATP No. 1 Club lands on Prime Video in the US (22 June) and on 5 in the UK (29 June), with SkyShowtime also picking it up across the Balkans including North Macedonia. Film Industry (Regional Co-productions): KVIFF Industry Days (5–8 July) will showcase 38 projects via KVIFF Promises, with KVIFF Central Stage returning (11 late-stage regional fiction films) and Book-to-Screen launching for literary adaptations. Animation Distribution: Chimney Town: Frozen in Time secures new European rights, including North Macedonia coverage via MegaCom Film, ahead of Annecy Presents. Local Music Spotlight: MRT confirms Ana Stojanoska as North Macedonia’s JESC 2026 representative with the song Idnata Jac. Cinema Recognition: The North Macedonia–Croatia–Slovenia co-production Ruins is among the Golden Goblet documentary nominees at Shanghai. Cultural Diplomacy: A Turkish screening of The Sofia Years of Mustafa Kemal highlights Atatürk’s Sofia period during Amasya’s annual Atatürk art and culture events.

Film & TV Industry: “Chimney Town: Frozen in Time” keeps expanding in Europe, with Best Friend Forever’s new distribution deals taking it to France (Arthouse Films), Eastern Europe (HBO Max) and the Balkans including North Macedonia (MegaCom Film), ahead of its Annecy Presents run. Local Screen Culture: North Macedonia’s debut feature “Spring Cleaning” is in production across Skopje, following a daughter’s return after her mother’s suicide as grief and memory blur—an emotional family story co-written with Albanian director Erenik Bekiri. International Film Spotlight: The North Macedonia–Croatia–Slovenia co-production “Ruins” is among five documentary contenders for the Golden Goblet at Shanghai’s film festival. Music & Performance: MRT confirmed Ana Stojanoska will represent North Macedonia at Junior Eurovision 2026 in Malta with “Idnata Jac.” Arts & Community Events: ReActing as a Star returned for its fifth edition in Kranj, bringing together actors and industry professionals from the region, including North Macedonia’s Slagana Vujoshevik. EU & Media Climate (Arts-adjacent): North Macedonia’s deputy foreign minister warned that intensified disinformation linked to an eastern neighbour is targeting trust in institutions and identity ahead of elections.

Arts & Climate Backdrop: Europe’s heatwave is intensifying, with France banning alcohol in red-alert areas during Fête de la Musique and the Louvre cancelling a free concert—another reminder of how extreme weather is reshaping public culture. Music: Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice says the band will start work on new material for a 2027 album, with “Splat!” due July 3. Regional Politics & Identity: Albania’s PM Edi Rama pushed back on Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia joining Tirana protests, arguing they’re being mislabelled as “diaspora” and warning against political misuse of symbols. Local Spotlight (Arts): MRT confirmed Ana Stojanoska will represent North Macedonia at JESC 2026 in Malta with “Idnata Jac.” Film Industry: Slano Film Days 2026 in Croatia adds Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, alongside Balkan talent including North Macedonia’s Georgi M. Unkovski and actor Tamara Ristoska. Screenwriting/Production: Skopje-based debut feature “Spring Cleaning” is in principal photography, exploring grief, memory, and a possible return from the afterlife.

JESC Spotlight: MRT has selected Ana Stojanoska to represent North Macedonia at Junior Eurovision 2026 in Malta, singing “Idnata Jac,” with the song written by Nikola Micevski and Ilcho Nechovski. Film Production: Macedonian director Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature “Spring Cleaning” across Skopje, a family drama about grief, memory, and a possible return from the afterlife. Regional Screen Industry: ReActing as a Star marked its fifth edition in Kranj, bringing together actors and industry professionals from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Cross-Border Funding: An open call for “Connections Through Culture 2026” offers grants (£5,000–£15,000) for UK-led and eligible-country cultural collaborations, with applications open 17 June. EU Culture & Media Climate: North Macedonia’s deputy foreign minister warned at an EU meeting about intensified disinformation and hybrid influence linked to the country’s eastern neighbour.

EU Politics & Disinformation: North Macedonia’s Deputy Foreign Minister warned that intensified disinformation and hybrid influence linked to the country’s eastern neighbour is undermining trust and identity, especially ahead of elections. EU Accession Tensions: In Strasbourg, Bulgarian MEPs argued Skopje is “holding itself back” and using Bulgaria as a scapegoat, while the European Parliament adopted annual reports on Western Balkan countries including North Macedonia. Diplomatic Incident: An arson attack on Bulgarian Embassy vehicles in Skopje triggered strong reactions from Bulgaria’s leadership and MEPs, with hate-speech concerns dominating the fallout. Music & Youth Culture: MRT confirmed Ana Stojanoska will represent North Macedonia at Junior Eurovision 2026 in Malta with the song “Idnata Jac.” Film Production in Skopje: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature “Spring Cleaning,” a hometown return story mixing grief, memory, and unresolved family wounds. Regional Cinema Spotlight: Slano Film Days 2026 in Croatia features Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, alongside North Macedonian talent including director Georgi M. Unkovski and actress Tamara Ristoska.

Architecture & Film Buzz: A new wave of brutalist hotels is back in the spotlight, with designers leaning into exposed concrete and sculptural forms—partly fueled by interest in films like The Brutalist and the Bauhaus centenary. International Film Spotlight: North Macedonia’s co-production Ruins is among five documentary nominees competing for the Golden Goblet at the Shanghai International Film Festival, placing the Balkan story on a major global stage. Music & Youth Culture: MRT has confirmed Ana Stojanoska as North Macedonia’s JESC 2026 representative, selected via an MRT audition process; she’ll sing “Idnata Jac” in Malta. Local Screen Production: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature Spring Cleaning across Skopje, a family drama built around grief, memory, and the unsettling idea of a return from the afterlife. EU Arts-Adjacent Politics: North Macedonia’s Deputy Foreign Minister says intensified disinformation linked to an eastern neighbour is targeting trust in institutions—an issue that can shape the cultural and media environment artists work in. Sports-Entertainment Link: Slano Film Days 2026 in Croatia adds Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, alongside regional talent including North Macedonia’s Georgi M. Unkovski.

Shanghai Film Festival: North Macedonia’s co-production “Ruins” is among five documentary nominees for the Golden Goblet, with the filmmakers gathering in China as themes range from freedom and family bonds to migrant stories. Slano Film Days 2026: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard join a star-studded lineup for the 3rd edition of the slow, discussion-led festival in Croatia, featuring Balkan directors and North Macedonia’s Tamara Ristoska. Debut Feature in Skopje: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting “Spring Cleaning,” a debut feature about grief, memory, and a daughter’s return to her hometown after her mother’s suicide. Junior Eurovision: MRT has selected Ana Stojanoska to represent North Macedonia at JESC 2026 in Malta with “Idnata Jac.” Culture Funding: An open call for “Connections Through Culture 2026” offers £5,000–£15,000 grants for cross-cultural collaborative arts projects. Sports & Arts Crossover: Bohemians learned their Europa Conference League opponents, with Dinamo City (North Macedonia) among the draw names.

JESC Spotlight: MRT confirmed Ana Stojanoska as North Macedonia’s representative at Junior Eurovision 2026 in Malta, singing “Idnata Jac,” selected after an MRT open call and chosen from nine acts. Film Production: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature “Spring Cleaning” across Skopje, a debut-led drama about a daughter returning after her mother’s suicide and sensing an unsettling return from the afterlife. Arts Funding: “Connections Through Culture 2026” opens for applications (grants £5,000–£15,000) to back cross-cultural collaborative projects, with delivery set for Dec 2026–Dec 2027. Regional Screen Industry: KVIFF unveiled its KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen programs, spotlighting Central-European co-production projects and film adaptation rights. Sports & Culture Crossover: Athlone Town’s new head coach Lily Agg is “really excited” after a draw set ŽFK Skopje 2014 as their first UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying-round opponents. EU Culture-Politics Backdrop: EU Parliament adopted Western Balkan progress reports including North Macedonia, while Skopje faces renewed scrutiny tied to the EU accession debate.

Arts Funding: The British Council’s Connections Through Culture 2026 open call launches 17 June with grants of £5,000–£15,000 for cross-cultural artist collaborations (deadline 12 Aug). Film in Focus: Macedonian director Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature Spring Cleaning in Skopje, a grief-and-memory story with a debut-led cast. Regional Industry: ReActing as a Star returns for its fifth edition in Slovenia, bringing together actors and casting professionals from the region, including North Macedonia. Festival Watch: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen unveil new projects in Karlovy Vary, spotlighting Central-European co-productions and film adaptations. EU Politics (Arts-adjacent): EU Parliament debates on Western Balkans progress keep North Macedonia’s EU stalemate in the spotlight, while Skopje and Sofia trade sharp accusations after an arson attack on Bulgarian embassy vehicles in Skopje. Travel & Culture: North Macedonia is highlighted as a budget-friendly summer escape amid EU border delays tied to the Entry/Exit System.

EU Accession Showdown: The European Parliament adopted annual reports on Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, with Commissioner Marta Kos urging the region to seize a “window of opportunity” for EU progress. Bulgaria–Skopje Tensions: Bulgarian MEPs argued Skopje is stalling on constitutional changes needed for EU talks, while others warned against blaming Bulgaria for the EU standstill. Skopje Embassy Arson Fallout: An arson attack on Bulgarian Embassy vehicles in Skopje triggered strong reactions in Sofia and Strasbourg, with officials linking the incident to wider hate-speech concerns. North Macedonia Disinformation Warning: Deputy Foreign Minister Zoran Dimitrovski told EU ministers that intensified disinformation and hybrid activities tied to the eastern neighbour are aimed at undermining trust and identity. Local Film Production: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature “Spring Cleaning” in Skopje, a debut-led drama about grief, memory and a possible return from the afterlife. Regional Industry Buzz: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen unveiled projects and directors for its July market showcase, spotlighting Central-European co-productions. Acting & Talent Networks: “ReActing as a Star” returned for its fifth edition in Kranj, bringing together actors and industry professionals from the wider region, including North Macedonia.

EU Accession & Politics: In Strasbourg, Bulgarian MEPs argued North Macedonia is stalling EU talks by refusing constitutional revisions, while others warned Skopje shouldn’t blame Bulgaria for the EU standstill. Parliament Vote: The European Parliament adopted annual reports on Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, with Commissioner Marta Kos urging the region to seize a “window of opportunity.” Skopje–Sofia Tensions: An arson attack on Bulgarian Embassy vehicles in Skopje triggered strong reactions, including condemnation of hate speech and diplomatic escalation. Disinformation Watch: North Macedonia’s deputy foreign minister said intensified disinformation and hybrid influence linked to its eastern neighbour are undermining trust, especially around elections. Film Spotlight: Macedonian director Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting debut feature “Spring Cleaning” in Skopje, exploring grief, memory, and a possible afterlife return. Regional Industry: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen programs unveiled projects and literary adaptations, strengthening co-production links across Central Europe. Acting & Talent: “ReActing as a Star” wrapped its fifth edition in Slovenia, bringing together actors from the region including North Macedonia.

Diplomatic Fallout in Skopje: An arson attack on two Bulgarian Embassy vehicles has triggered fresh condemnation across Europe. Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova called it an attack on Bulgaria and pointed to an upcoming EU Parliament vote on North Macedonia’s accession progress. Bulgaria summoned Skopje’s charge d’affaires and said the act endangered embassy staff and residents, while Bulgarian MEPs used the incident to criticize Skopje over hate speech and rule-of-law concerns. Disinformation Warning: North Macedonia’s deputy foreign minister told an EU meeting that intensified disinformation and hybrid influence linked to Bulgaria is undermining trust in institutions and identity. Debut Feature in Production: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature Spring Cleaning in Skopje, a grief-and-memory story about a daughter returning after her mother’s suicide. Regional Screen Industry: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen have announced new projects, spotlighting Central-European co-productions and film adaptations. Sports & Culture Crossovers: World Cup coverage continues to spotlight North Macedonia in qualifiers and regional ties, while local football news includes interest in North Macedonian Eljif Elmas amid transfer chatter.

Disinformation Watch: North Macedonia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Zoran Dimitrovski warned the EU that intensified disinformation and hybrid influence linked to an eastern neighbour is targeting trust in institutions, identity and social unity—especially around elections. Debut Feature in Skopje: Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature Spring Cleaning, about a daughter returning home after her mother’s suicide and sensing an unsettling possible return from the afterlife. Regional Acting Pipeline: Slovenia’s Kranj hosted the fifth edition of ReActing as a Star, bringing 12 actors from the region (including North Macedonia) together with casting and industry professionals. Film Industry Market Buzz: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen at Karlovy Vary unveiled selected projects and directors, spotlighting Central-European co-productions and adaptations. Football & Culture Cross-Over: Bohemians learned their Europa Conference League opponents, with Dinamo City (North Macedonia) listed among ties in the draw. Media Safety in the Balkans: A Montenegro media union report cites 13 documented attacks and pressures on journalists in 2026 so far, ranking North Macedonia higher in the regional safety index.

Film & Festivals: Tribeca 2026 wrapped with major wins for cross-border titles, led by US drama “Cotton Fever” and Puerto Rican coming-of-age “Summer of Three,” plus international standout “Labrador — Autopsy of Silence” and documentary “Jail Time Records.” Regional Acting Scene: Slovenia’s Kranj hosted the 5th edition of ReActing as a Star, running alongside the KRAFFT Actors Film Festival, bringing 12 performers from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia to build industry links. World Cup Culture Watch: The tournament’s early matchday buzz includes Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto and Belgium vs Egypt in Seattle, with plenty of attention on star fitness and opening-day storylines. Local Arts Travel: A travel feature spotlights Ohrid—Byzantine streets, workshops, and the city’s famed “bleak” pearl craft—while another ranks solo-travel-friendly cities, naming Manchester among top UK picks.

World Cup Spotlight: Belgium take on Egypt in Seattle with both sides under pressure to deliver after mixed recent form, while Spain open their campaign against debutants Cape Verde and injury updates keep fans watching Lamine Yamal’s fitness for Spain. Host-Nation Kickoff (Canada): Canada begin Group B in Toronto against Bosnia & Herzegovina in a first-ever World Cup match on Canadian soil, with Edin Džeko returning at 40 and both teams chasing early points. Turkiye Returns: Turkiye restart their World Cup story after 24 years, led by Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, as they face Australia in Vancouver. Arts & Culture (Film): Tribeca Festival’s 25th edition crowned “Cotton Fever,” “Labrador — Autopsy of Silence,” and “Jail Time Records” as top winners across its narrative and documentary competitions. Local Arts/Heritage (Travel & Design): Ohrid gets a cultural spotlight—Byzantine streets, pearl workshops, and Lake Ohrid’s deep history—plus Skopje’s reinvention story and modern architecture buzz. Media Freedom Watch: A regional report flags political pressure, disinformation, and weak safeguards for independent journalism across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia.

World Cup 2026 (Skopje/Region angle): The tournament’s first full match day is here, with co-host Canada starting at home in Toronto against Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Türkiye return to the World Cup after 24 years facing Australia in Vancouver—spotlight on Arda Güler’s fitness and leadership as he’s praised by coach Vincenzo Montella. Local sports culture: North Macedonia’s football presence pops up in the build-up, including mentions of Eljif Elmas linked with Aston Villa and Bojan Miovski’s uncertain Rangers future. Travel & culture (Ohrid): A National Geographic Traveller feature spotlights Lake Ohrid and Ohrid’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, plus the region’s famed “bleak” pearl craft. Media & society: A regional report warns of political pressure, disinformation, and historical revisionism across Western Balkan media, naming North Macedonia among the affected countries. Film & arts (international): Tribeca Festival 2026 winners include “Cotton Fever,” “Labrador — Autopsy of Silence,” and “Jail Time Records.”