- Directed by Pauline Blanchet | Production Companies: Aral Sea Productions (GB), Avdi Thachi / Lumiere Films (MK), James Collie and Jan Dunn / Violet Pictures (GB), Aymeric Isnard / Futur Anterieur (FR)
- Feature Documentary | North Macedonia | In Development
In the ethnically divided city of Skopje, 14-year-old Albanian wrestler Sadije juggles complex identities as the sole girl in her club and the only Albanian on the National Macedonian wrestling team.
Synopsis:
Sadije is a 14-year-old Albanian wrestler defying conventions in North Macedonia’s complex societal landscape. As the only girl in a male-dominated wrestling club, she embodies resilience in her neighbourhood community. Against the backdrop of the nation’s history, marked by a little-known civil war in 2001, Sadije’s story unfolds.
In the densely populated, predominantly Albanian-Muslim neighbourhood of Gazi Baba, Sadije trains alongside boys at the Liria wrestling club. Her spirited personality and turbulent attitude make her a natural leader.
Unable to speak Macedonian, she navigates adolescence and evolving notions of gender, forging her path as a female athlete in a masculine arena. Language barriers add complexity to her journey. Sadije grapples with being an ethnic Albanian wrestler in a predominantly Macedonian-speaking country, attempting to bridge the linguistic divide with her limited English amongst her Macedonian peers in the national team.
Her persevering journey contrasts the nation’s turbulent history as she struggles to maintain weight, strict diets, and resilience representing her country internationally. Lacking strong female influences, male figures like her steadfast coach and headstrong club president often overpower Sadije, their contradicting machismo opinions encircling her.
On this unique stage, Sadije’s extraordinary tale reveals sports’ complex role in North Macedonia’s nation-building, where identities converge. Hers is a coming of age story where nationalism and selfhood intertwine.
Best Pitch - Vanessa Redgrave AWARD at PriFest 15
AJB Industry Days Main Pitch - Al Jazeera Balkans Award Main Pitch, Cannes Docs – Marché du Film Award, IDF – East Silver Caravan Award, and Eurodoc Award for the Best Pitch.
East Doc Forum | East Doc Platform - Docs Ireland Award
Also pitched in 2023/24 at: Sheffield Doc Fest Meet Market, Tirana, Albania, Balkan Film Market Pitching, Go East East West Talent Lab and Pitching, Doc Ireland, Beyond Borders Audiovisual Pitch Lab and Doc Ireland.
