ANTIGONA

North Macedonia 2025 — Directed by: Iber Deari, Mirsad Abazi — 20 min — Spoken language: Macedonian — Subtitles: English — Production Company: Lumiere Films — Producer: Avdi Thachi

In rural North Macedonia, the first female village bus driver turns a routine job into a quiet revolution.

In a municipality of eleven villages in North Macedonia, Antigona is the first and only female bus driver serving this rural network. When her father retired early due to health issues, she stepped into his role without hesitation, navigating winding roads from one remote community to another. As the main link between these villages and the outside world, she carries heavy loads, greets familiar faces, and moves through a world shaped largely by men and their expectations.

With quiet resolve, Antigona becomes a lifeline for her community — supporting those around her while subtly redefining how women are seen, and how they see themselves. Her story unfolds as one of duty, resilience, and the understated dignity of someone holding a community together without seeking recognition.

Festivals & Awards

Sheffield DocFest 2025 – Official Selection · United Kingdom
Makedox 2025 – Official Selection · North Macedonia
Dokufest 2025 – Official Selection & Special Mention Award · Kosovo
Tetova International Film Festival (TIFF) Oda 2025 – Best Short Film · Albania

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