AGP Executive Report

Independence Celebrations: North Macedonia marks its 35th anniversary of independence today, with flowers laid at the graves of Kiro Gligorov, Boris Trajkovski and Nikola Kljusev, plus cultural events running through the month including a Jose Carreras concert and the multimedia performance “A Brightly Shining Day” featuring 120 artists. Local Culture: The “Maškari Amende” festival returns Sept 11–12 in Šuto Orizari, celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities, and performances including the Roma Rock School Band. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus and a new weekend death; authorities have intensified mosquito spraying and issued updated guidance for people over 60 and immunosuppressed patients. Film & Oscars: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature “17” has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Arts & Community: The ERIAC-backed “Maškari Amende” highlights Roma heritage through intergenerational cultural exchanges and performances. Digital Safety: UNICEF warns that nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with North Macedonia flagged among higher-risk cases.

UNICEF Child Safety: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries suffered tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with almost 60% of cases happening on social media; in North Macedonia, the risk of suicidal thoughts is reported as more than eight times higher for affected children. Film & Oscars: North Macedonia’s Oscar bid is set with “17,” Kosara Mitić’s debut feature, a North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia coproduction that premiered in Berlinale’s Perspectives and has already won awards. Cinema Spotlight: Manaki Brothers 2026 has unveiled its competition lineup for its 47th edition, including regional premieres and international co-productions screening in Bitola. Local Arts Industry: UNESCO-backed recommendations for digital platform governance and media rights have been adopted across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, aiming to strengthen journalism as a public good. Sports (North Macedonia): Rangers striker Bojan Miovski confirmed he has sacked his agent and will represent himself, as his Ibrox future remains uncertain.

UNICEF Report: A new UNICEF study says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media; in North Macedonia, the risk of suicidal thoughts is reported as more than eight times higher than average. Film & Awards: North Macedonia has selected Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 as its candidate for the 99th Oscars (Best International Feature), a co-production with Serbia and Slovenia that tackles identity, sexuality, and societal pressure. Cinema Spotlight: Manaki Brothers Film Festival 2026 has unveiled its competition lineup, including regional premieres and major international titles, with the festival set to honour cinematographer Dan Laustsen. Digital Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based governance of digital platforms and media have been adopted across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Sports (Local Interest): Bojan Miovski’s agent has been sacked as his Rangers future stays uncertain, with the striker set to manage his own career for now.

Film & Festivals: Manaki Brothers Film Festival has unveiled the competition lineup for its 47th edition, with 51 films across Camera 300, Documentary, International Short Film, and Student categories, including regional premieres in Bitola. Local Cinema: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Oscars (Best International Feature), with a Berlinale Perspectives premiere and awards already in the bag. International Screenings: Yugo Goes to America is set for cinema runs across the region, including North Macedonia, bringing a road-trip documentary about the cult Yugo to local audiences. Digital Safety & Media: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a year, with North Macedonia included in the study. Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance have been adopted across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Culture in Motion: Montenegro Film Rendezvous highlighted projects involving North Macedonia, while Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games crowned Vasil Angelov of North Macedonia with first place at an international ethnic music festival.

Meta & Media Rights: SafeJournalists says Meta is blocking access to public-interest accounts in Albania, including Euronews Albania’s Instagram and Citizens.al’s Facebook, with no clear explanation—raising fresh concerns for journalists and civic voices. UNICEF Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation/abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases on mainstream social media; the study also highlights severe mental-health impacts and widespread underreporting. North Macedonia Film Spotlight: Skopje’s debut feature “17” (Kosara Mitić) is selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Oscars in the International Feature Film category. Regional Arts & Culture: “Köçmön dörru” at the World Nomad Games crowned Kyrgyz performer Nurdoolot Derkembaev, with North Macedonia’s Vasil Angelov taking first place. Energy & Infrastructure: Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia sign an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor, boosting regional energy connectivity. Digital Media Governance: UNESCO backs rights-based recommendations for platform governance and media trust across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia.

Film & Awards: North Macedonia’s debut-feature “17” by Kosara Mitić has been selected as the country’s candidate for the 99th Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, with a co-production involving Serbia and Slovenia; it’s already picked up wins including Best director (shared) at the Herceg Novi Film Festival and Best International Debut at Jerusalem. Digital Safety: UNICEF released a major report estimating that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, with North Macedonia among the places where risks of suicidal thoughts were especially high. Energy & Infrastructure: Greece and Balkan partners signed an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor to North Macedonia and Serbia, aiming to strengthen cross-border energy security. Culture & Music: Kyrgyzstan’s Nurdoolot Derkembaev won Grand Prix at the World Nomad Games’ ethnic music festival, with North Macedonia’s Vasil Angelov taking first place. Media Governance: UNESCO backed adoption of multi-stakeholder recommendations to improve digital platform and media governance across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia.

Film & Festivals: North Macedonia’s Oscar bid is taking shape: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been selected as the country’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards (Best International Feature Film), with a story centered on a 17-year-old facing identity, sexuality, and trauma; the teen-led coproduction (North Macedonia/Serbia/Slovenia) has already picked up awards including Best International Debut at Jerusalem. Cinema Screenings: Documentary Yugo Goes to America is rolling out across the region, with screenings scheduled in North Macedonia as part of its wider Balkan cinema tour. Music & Culture: At the international ethnomusic festival “Köçmön dörru” in Cholpon-Ata, North Macedonia’s Vasil Angelov won first place, while Kyrgyzstani Nurdoolot Derkembaev took the grand prize. Digital Safety & Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance have been adopted across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, aiming to strengthen journalism and tackle disinformation. Online Child Safety: UNICEF’s new report warns that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with social media named in nearly 60% of cases.

Film & Oscars: North Macedonia’s Oscar bid is set: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been chosen as the country’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards (Best International Feature Film), a North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia coproduction inspired by a real event and already backed by festival wins including Best International Debut at Jerusalem. Digital Safety: UNICEF’s new report Through Children’s Eyes warns that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries face tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media—an especially urgent issue for North Macedonia as the study includes the country. Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance have been adopted across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, aiming to strengthen journalism as a public good and tackle disinformation. Sports (Local Interest): EuroVolley 2026’s countdown is on in Sofia, with a giant volleyball installation unveiled in Sveta Nedelya Square; Bulgaria’s opening match features North Macedonia.

Oscar Watch (Film): North Macedonia’s Oscar bid is set with Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17, a North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia coproduction about a 17-year-old facing trauma, secrets, identity, sexuality, and pressure; the film was produced by Black Cat Production with regional partners and support from local film agencies, and it’s already picked up awards including Best International Debut at Jerusalem and Best director (shared) at Herceg Novi. UNICEF & Youth Safety (Digital Media): UNICEF’s new report Through Children’s Eyes estimates that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social platforms; it also highlights severe mental health impacts and that most victims don’t report to authorities. Regional Screenings (Documentary): The Serbian documentary Yugo Goes to America is rolling into cinemas across the region, with screenings scheduled in North Macedonia as part of its wider theatrical run. Arts & Culture Calendar (Film Festival): The Manaki Brothers Film Festival has unveiled its programme for its 47th edition in Bitola (19–25 September), including a main competition of 12 films and industry events with major cinematography names.

North Macedonia in the Oscars spotlight: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The teen-led coproduction (North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia) is inspired by a real-life event and explores identity, sexuality, trauma and societal pressure; it’s produced by Black Cat Production and backed by local film agencies, with Totem Films acquiring it ahead of a Berlinale Perspectives premiere. Digital safety and media governance: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse/exploitation in a year, with about 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media—while UNESCO backs rights-based, multi-stakeholder recommendations to improve digital platform and online media governance across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Screening news: Serbian documentary Yugo Goes to America is set for cinema screenings across the region, including North Macedonia, starting 3 September.

Digital Safety Watch: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (1 in 5) aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp; the study also links abuse to far higher risks of anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and notes that most cases go unreported. Cinema & Culture: Serbia’s documentary “Yugo Goes to America” is set for screenings across the region, including North Macedonia, bringing a road-trip story about the cult Yugo to local audiences. Film Festival Buzz: Skopje’s MakeDox wrapped with “Tristan Forever” winning the Onion Award for Best Film, while other prizes went to regional and international documentaries. Local Court & Rights: The Iva Mihaylova traffic case in Kocani continues, with the next hearing set for September 28, as her supporters press for access to medical treatment abroad.

Digital Safety: UNICEF warns 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 faced online sexual abuse, as Meta settles a US case and limits teen access to Instagram/Facebook to two hours daily with night blocks. Cinema in the Region: “Yugo Goes to America” lands in North Macedonia cinemas in September, following Serbian millennials’ road trip in the iconic Yugo and festival success at CPH:DOX and Beldocs. Skopje Arts & Film: MakeDox Creative Documentary Film Festival in Skopje crowned “Tristan Forever” with the Onion Award, with sold-out evenings and 71 documentaries screened. Local Film Spotlight: Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveils its 47th Bitola programme (19–25 Sept), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Court & Rights: The Iva Mihaylova case continues in Kocani, with her treatment travel dispute and next hearing set for September 28. Sports & North Macedonia Link: Scott McTominay’s mild benign arrhythmia means surgery and a likely miss of Scotland’s Nations League games that include a North Macedonia fixture in Skopje. Media Business: Telekom Srbija plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional TV footprint.

Courtroom Drama: The Kocani Basic Court heard final non-expert testimony in the Iva Mihaylova case, starting accident-reconstruction evidence; the next hearing is set for September 28, with Mihaylova still fighting to get medical treatment outside North Macedonia. Human Rights & Politics: Bulgarian MPs backed Mihaylova outside court, arguing her rights are being violated and pushing for guarantees of fair trial and access to healthcare. Film & Culture: Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveiled its 47th programme in Bitola (19–25 September), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen receiving a lifetime award. Documentary Spotlight: MakeDox in Skopje crowned Tristan Forever (Onion Award for Best Film), while other prizes went to regional and international documentary makers. Performing Arts: Targovishte Puppet Theatre will bring Adventures with Karlsson to an international puppet festival in Podgorica (Sept 2–5). Media Business: Telekom Srbija notified competition authorities it plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional media footprint.

Court & Rights: In Kocani, the Basic Court heard the final non-expert witness and began accident-reconstruction expert testimony in the Iva Mihaylova case after a fatal crash; a police officer said he didn’t see the collision, while an expert report claims her car crossed about 90 cm into the oncoming lane. Medical Access Fight: Mihaylova says prosecutors oppose permission for treatment abroad unless her condition is life-threatening, and her supporters argue her civil and human rights are being blocked; the case may also head toward the European Court of Human Rights. Film & Culture: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its 47th edition (19–25 Sept), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Documentary Spotlight: MakeDox in Skopje crowned Tristan Forever with the Onion Award for Best Film, while From Red Lights to Limelights won the Moral Approach Award. Arts & Theatre: Targovishte Puppet Theatre will bring Adventures with Karlsson to the International Puppet Festival in Podgorica (2–5 Sept). Sports (Local Relevance): Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, affecting Nations League matches that include North Macedonia.

Manaki Brothers Film Festival: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers’ Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its 47th edition (19–25 September), with 12 films in the main competition, Wally Pfister chairing the jury, and Dan Laustsen receiving the Golden Camera 300 Lifetime Achievement Award. Documentary spotlight: BGNES film The Creeping Frontiers of the Serbian World is set to screen, tracing how the “Serbian World” idea evolved from Milošević-era policy into today’s influence strategy across the region, including interviews with figures from North Macedonia. Film awards in the region: Tristan Forever won Best Film at MakeDox in Skopje, while Montenegro’s Herceg Novi/Montenegro Film Festival crowned Goran Stanković’s Our Father as the biggest winner. Court and rights (media angle): The Kocani Basic Court continues the case against Iva Mihaylova, with the next hearing set for 28 September, as Bulgarian MPs argue her access to medical treatment and civil rights should be guaranteed. Local culture & youth: The Targovishte Puppet Theatre will perform in Podgorica (2–5 September) with Adventures with Karlsson, bringing a children’s jury element to the international festival. Arts & society: A North Macedonia press-freedom lawyer highlights the rise of SLAPP-style pressure on journalists, shifting from classic defamation suits to broader intimidation tactics.

Design & Architecture: The A’ Design Award & Competition’s 2026–2027 call for entries is now open, with the latest roundup highlighting 20 winning projects across 196 categories, from architecture and interiors to product and interaction design. Court & Rights: In Kocani, the Basic Court heard the next stage of the case against Iva Mihaylova over a fatal 2025 traffic crash; the trial is set to resume September 28 with accident-reconstruction expert testimony, while Bulgarian politicians argue her civil and human rights and access to treatment in Bulgaria must be guaranteed. Performing Arts: Targovishte State Puppet Theatre will represent Bulgaria at Podgorica’s International Puppet Festival (Sept 2–5) with “Adventures with Karlsson,” based on Astrid Lindgren, featuring music by David Kokonchev. Film: Skopje’s MakeDox Creative Documentary Festival crowned Switzerland’s “Tristan Forever” with the Onion Award for Best Film, while “To the West, In Zapata” won the Young Onion Award. Local Culture: Bosnian artist Amer Hadžić opened his solo exhibition “WHATEVER” at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery as part of the venue’s 50th-anniversary program, running with 28 works exploring identity and modern life. Demographics & Education: North Macedonia’s first-grade intake is sharply down for 2026–27, with expectations of fewer classes and potential closures of small rural schools. Media Business: Telekom Srbija says it plans to acquire control of Belgrade’s River Media, expanding its regional media footprint. Sports (Regional): Cablenet and Arena Sport signed a three-year deal to broadcast Cypriot club matches in North Macedonia and other Balkan markets.