Skopje Cinema City Film Festival: A Decade of Cinematic and Musical Excellence
Honoring Musical Legends and Showcasing Global Cinema
For the past 10 years, I have been organizing Skopje Cinema City, a film festival that has become a hallmark of cultural exchange and artistic celebration in my city, Skopje. Initially envisioned as a multimedia platform, the festival seamlessly blends local musicians and productions with international talents, creating a unique and vibrant cultural tapestry.
From its inception, Skopje Cinema City has featured photography exhibitions as a central component. In 2015, we highlighted the work of David Bowie, organizing an exhibition of his photographs through the lens of renowned British-Serbian photographer Brian Rasic. This exhibition was accompanied by screenings of two Bowie documentaries, "Cracked Actor" by Alan Yentob and "Bowie in Berlin." This event set the tone for a festival shaped by a society in constant flux, characterized by clashes and tectonic cultural shifts.
The announcement on David Bowieโs Official Facebook Page in 2015 (Link)
Throughout the years, the festival has honored artists such as Leonard Cohen (2016), Kraftwerk (2017), Ryuichi Sakamoto (2018), Vlatko Stefanovski (2019), New Order (2020), รlafur Arnalds (2021), Nick Cave (2022), and Dลพijan Emin (2023).
The Vlatko Stefanovski Experience Exhibition 2024
The 2024 festival will kick off on June 26th with an exhibition of photographs celebrating Vlatko Stefanovski, arguably the most renowned musician to emerge from my country, Macedonia. His exceptional talent and illustrious career as one of the finest guitarists and composers are recognized far beyond our borders.
The exhibition, titled "The Vlatko Stefanovski Experience," offers a historical journey through Stefanovskiโs concert career as seen through the eyes of four photographers who have closely followed his journey. Their photographs capture the various incarnations and projects that Stefanovski has undertaken. Over his decades-long career, Stefanovski has released numerous albums that showcase his versatility and depth. With his band "Leb i Sol," he produced 14 albums, and his solo career boasts 15 releases. His collaborations with musicians from diverse backgrounds and his countless concerts are a testament to his broad influence and dynamic presence.
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Photographs by Ognen Acevski
Photographers Angel Sitnovski, Stefan Reichl, Ognen Acevski, and Nemanja ฤorฤeviฤ have documented the diversity of his bands, projects, and achievements in both Macedonia and Serbia. The exhibition includes studio shots, concert photographs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, illustrating the magic of Stefanovski's music and its impact on audiences.
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In addition to the photographs, the exhibition features numerous artifacts, including promotional posters, memorabilia, and editions from the collections of Vladimir Mandichevski Mande and Tosho Filipovski. It also highlights promotional materials from his collaboration with "Teoharovi Audio," known for designing the "Legendary" speakers, a high-tech product that has gained significant popularity.
"The Vlatko Stefanovski Experience" is not just an exhibition; it is a testament to the profound influence Stefanovski has had on the world of music. It chronicles his journey from a young guitarist to a cultural icon, paying homage to an artist whose music transcends boundaries, genres, and cultures.
The Festival Program
The film festival will run from July 1st to 4th, featuring a diverse program that underscores the festivalโs commitment to music documentaries as a form of music journalism. This year, Poland will be the country in focus, and we are excited to welcome a renowned documentary director from Poland. Additionally, the festival will spotlight the work of Polish film composer Zbigniew Preisner, who will receive the festivalโs award.
expression, bringing together talents from around the world and fostering a community of creativity and innovation. We look forward to welcoming you to this yearโs festival and celebrating the enduring legacy of Vlatko Stefanovski and the vibrant world of music and film.
Poster 1 design: Dijana Dimitrievska
Poster 2 design: Ruลพica Hristova