Macedonian filmmaker Milcho Manchevski has achieved another major international success after his latest film, Sister Brother Manhole Cover (Sestra, Brat i Shahta), won the Tokyo Grand Prix at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival on Wednesday, November 4.
The award, officially known as the Tokyo Grand Prix / Governor of Tokyo Award, is the festival’s highest honor and carries a cash prize of 3 million Japanese yen, approximately $19,000.
The film was selected from 15 titles competing for the festival’s top prize, marking a significant achievement for Macedonian cinema on the international stage.
A Story About Survival in Skopje
Set in contemporary Skopje, Sister Brother Manhole Cover follows two siblings, Malina and Viktor, who survive by stealing manhole covers and bronze monuments and selling them as scrap metal.
Their already difficult lives become more complicated when Viktor suffers a serious injury, forcing the siblings to search for medical assistance while navigating a society marked by inequality.
The film combines dark humor with social commentary, exploring poverty, family relationships and the struggle for dignity.
The leading roles are played by Sara Klimoska and Filip Trajkovikj, alongside Sonja Mihajlova.
According to Screen International, the jury praised the film’s combination of humor, tragedy and drama, as well as the humanity and compassion shown toward its characters.
The film had its world premiere in Tokyo on October 30, with Manchevski and members of the cast attending the screening and participating in a discussion with the audience.
Another International Triumph for Manchevski
Manchevski first gained worldwide recognition with his 1994 debut feature Before the Rain, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
More than three decades later, his latest achievement brings Macedonian filmmaking back into the international spotlight.
At the Tokyo festival’s closing ceremony, producer Jane Kortoshev accepted the award alongside members of the cast.
Manchevski, who was unable to attend the ceremony, addressed the audience through a video message.
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival ran from October 26 through November 4, attracting filmmakers and productions from around the world.
This year’s competition received 1,892 submissions from 112 countries and regions, with 15 films ultimately selected for the main competition.
For Macedonian audiences at home and across the diaspora, the award represents an important moment of international recognition for the country’s film industry.
With Sister Brother Manhole Cover, Manchevski has once again demonstrated the ability of Macedonian stories to resonate with audiences far beyond the Balkans.
