One of the guests of FEST is Labina Mitevska, actress and producer. She has started her career in 1993 with the role of Zamira in Milco Mancevski's "Before the Rain". In 1996 she started a successful cooperation with Michael Winterbotom with "Welcome to Sarajevo", for which she was awarded Rising Star at the Berlin Festival in 1998. With he sister Teona and brother Vuk she founded the production company Sisters and Brothers Production. Their film "I am from Titov Veles" has been distributed in 14 countries, including the USA and Canada. In the last couple of years she has been a member of the jury on the festivals in Kotbus, Edinburgh, Karlovy Vary and many others. On this year's FEST, Labina Mitevska is a member of the jury of the Europe out of Europe program.
How do you feel in a jury consisting exclusively of ladies?
- This is my first time in a ladies’ jury and that’s great. We shall see how things will work out, but women have definitely a different sensibility and outlook. But when a film is good, it’s good and we all agree on that. I also love the European Film Festival in Palic, where I was also member of the jury several years ago. It is one of the best small festivals. As a child, I grew up with FEST and that was my view of international cinema. This selection is very interesting and good, something completely different, because there are many films that we can not see in regular distribution.
You are shooting a lot throughout Europe and in “Europe out of Europe”. What were your experiences in all these countries, since you have shot in Bulgaria, Slovenia and also did coproductions with Germany and more recently with Turkey?
-These are fantastic experiences. Last year I shot a Turkish and a Bulgarian film. Turkish cinema is one of the most interesting ones in the last couple of years. There's a fantastic cinema boom there. When I received that script, it was one of the most interesting ones I have read years back. I have shot in the south of Turkey, at the border with Syria and that is a completely new experience, the manner of shooting and all the rest. Something new, completely different, the way they work, shoot, everything. I love to shoot films in countries I have never shot before.
How many films are shot in Macedonia? We most often hear about the films of Milco Mancevski and your sister Teona, at least here in festival circles?
- Not many films are made in Macedonia every year. There are seven films that will appear this year. For example this year, Mitko Panovski is making his debut - here received the Golden Palm 14 years ago for a short film. Then 9 young authors are working on a project called "Teodosijev Skoplje". I am glad to see new generations and young authors coming. Just like in Serbia, young authors are having a hard time getting an opportunity to make their first film.
What are you shooting lately?
- This year I will only be shooting a film with my sister Teona. We are soon to begin making the animation for the film, to be made by our brother Vuk. Since I am the producer of the film, I will be doing only that.
What is easier, to be an actress or a producer?
- The job of an actor is simpler, of course. I have been it that for much longer. The production job is a very responsible one, especially when you work on a film with your family. To produce a film is like having to take care of a baby. But as a producer I learn every day.