Kosara Mitić’s '17' chosen as North Macedonia’s Oscar entry

Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been selected as North Macedonia’s official entry for the Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category, the Film Workers Association of Macedonia (DFRM) announced.

“The decision was made by the Commission for the selection of the national Oscar candidate at the Film Workers Association of Macedonia, whose composition has been accepted and approved by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: Marija Dimitrova – chair of the Commission and producer, Antonio Mitrićeski – director, Dejan Dimeski – director of photography, Ivan Bartling – set designer, Georgi Unkovski – director, Teuta Aidini Jegeni – actress and Sara Ferro – producer. Two feature fiction films were submitted in this year’s selection: 'Skateboarding Is Not for Girls' by Dina Duma and '17' by Kosara Mitić,” the Film Workers Association of Macedonia said.

A festival run with multiple prizes

The film premiered internationally in the "Perspectives" section at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival and has gone on to collect eleven festival awards. The wins include prizes in Uruguay, Bolzano and Las Palmas, as well as at Tofifest and the Jerusalem Film Festival.

At the Sarajevo Film Festival, the film received the Heart of Sarajevo award for Best Actress for Eva Kostić, plus a Special Award for promoting gender equality and two additional prizes at the Sarajevo festival. Kosara Mitić was honoured with a Best Director prize in Herceg Novi.

The selection sets a new campaign phase for 17 as it proceeds toward the Academy’s shortlist and final voting stages. Submissions from countries around the world will now be considered by the Academy for the shortlist in the coming months.

DFRM said the commission’s membership used festival track record and international exposure as key factors when choosing the national candidate.

Photo: press material from the event