Watch I Am From Titov Veles

I Am From Titov Veles is a Macedonian drama film directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska and released in 2007. The film follows three sisters, Afrodita (Labina Mitevska), Slavica (Ana Kostovska), and Ljubica (Nikolina Kujaca), as they struggle to find their place in the small town of Titov Veles, which was once a thriving industrial center but is now in decline.

The sisters live with their mother, who is mentally ill and schizophrenic, and try to make ends meet by selling bootleg cigarettes on the black market. Despite their difficult circumstances, they dream of a better life and a way out of Titov Veles. Afrodita dreams of becoming a singer and leaving town, while Slavica hopes to marry a wealthy man and start a new life. Ljubica, the youngest sister, is much more innocent and still has a childlike spirit, but even she is beginning to understand the limitations of their situation.

As the story unfolds, we see the sisters navigate various challenges and setbacks, including their mother's worsening condition and a romantic relationship that threatens to tear them apart. Along the way, we get a glimpse of life in post-communist Macedonia, where many people are struggling to adapt to a new way of life after years of government control and restrictions.

One of the film's strengths is its portrayal of the sisters' relationships with each other. Despite their differences and occasional conflicts, there is a deep bond between them that keeps them together in the face of adversity. The performances by the lead actresses are also noteworthy, particularly Labina Mitevska as the rebellious and passionate Afrodita.

The setting of Titov Veles itself is also an important aspect of the film. The town is a symbol of a larger economic and social crisis in post-communist Macedonia, and the film explores the toll that this crisis takes on individuals and families. The abandoned factories and decaying buildings serve as a powerful reminder of the town's past and the precariousness of its present.

Overall, I Am From Titov Veles is a moving and powerful film that offers a glimpse into a world that is rarely portrayed in Western cinema. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of difficult circumstances and a reminder of the importance of family and community in times of crisis.

I Am From Titov Veles is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.