Irena Hristov, Author at Europe House

Author: Irena Hristov

A Story of Land, Memory and Togetherness: “Land” Premieres in Prilep and Bitola

Posted on by Irena Hristov

With the support of Europe House Bitola, and in collaboration with Atrium, the participatory film “Land”, created through a collective authorship process, premiered before audiences in Bitola and Prilep. The screenings, held at the Stone Stage in Prilep on 26 August and at the small plateau in front of the Officers’ House in Bitola on 27 August, offered audiences a different kind of cinematic experience.

The film invites reflection on land – as a concept, a symbol and a space beyond a clearly defined sense of time – as well as on the human being as a temporary part of its continuum.

The screenings were followed by open and engaging conversations between the collective behind the film and the audience. The discussion explored the ideas and concepts that shaped the creative process, the way the film was made, and the stories and decisions behind what we see on screen. It also opened up questions emerging from the film itself – from the scenes and the characters’ actions to the way its visual language shapes the story.

About the Film

A piece of inherited, exhausted land holds the quiet memory of five women who return year after year to dig, eat and leave, repeating a ritual that lost its meaning long ago, but not its form.

Their routine is disrupted when one of them sells her share of the property, believing that she is freeing herself, while in fact quietly shifting the foundation on which their sense of togetherness rests.

Creative Team

Cast: Jasna Vesić, Tatjana Jovanovska, Hristina Srbinoska, Sofija Kutlešovska, Ana Tambura

Set Assistants: Andrea Grozdanovska and Mihail Spasevski

Direction and Editing: Ivana Mirčevska
Screenplay: Kalija Kiselichki
Cinematography: Istok Čapovski
Animation: Ivana Mirčevska
Sound Design: Marko Rikaloski
Producer: Dino Čupevski

Three Countries, One Mountain: “Balkan Without Borders” Brings Hikers Together on Belasica

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Hiking enthusiasts from North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece once again came together on Mount Belasica, near Tumba (Tri-Border) Peak, for the 26th edition of the traditional international hiking gathering “Balkan Without Borders”, organized by the Enthusiast Mountaineering Clubfrom Strumica.

As every year, participants hiked together to Tumba Peak, at 1,881 metres above sea level – a place where the borders of the three neighbouring countries meet. With its powerful symbolism, the peak is a reminder that nature and sport can create a space for meeting, exchange and cooperation, regardless of borders.

The shared climb, time spent together and moments in nature once again showed that mountains do not divide us – they bring us together.

Europe House Strumica was pleased to support the event, which for more than two decades has promoted hiking and friendship, created opportunities for new encounters, and brought people from across the region closer together.

Following the Eel’s Journey by Kayak – Another Summer Adventure on the Black Drim

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Today, the Black Drim River and Lake Globočica became our route, with kayaks offering the perfect way to experience them from a completely different perspective.

To mark World Youth Skills Day, we teamed up with the Sports Club Solaris Struga to organise “The Eel’s Journey”, a kayaking tour designed to show that the Black Drim and Lake Globočica are more than just part of a beautiful landscape. They are also places that can bring people together, inspire new experiences and offer a different way to discover the natural surroundings of Struga.

Following the symbolic route of the European eel, participants had the opportunity to learn the basics of kayaking under the guidance of professional instructors, gain practical skills for safe movement on the water, and get a closer look at the natural wealth of the Black Drim.

“The Eel’s Journey” was also an opportunity to explore the value of local ecosystems, learn more about the biodiversity that makes this region unique, and remind ourselves that protecting nature begins with understanding it and experiencing it first-hand.

When we use nature and public spaces creatively and responsibly, the possibilities are truly endless.

From Self-Care to Active Participation in the Community: International Youth Day in Krivogaštani and Prilep

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Europe House Bitola marked International Youth Day with two different activities in two different locations, united by one common goal – to create opportunities for young people to feel good about themselves, connect with others, and know that their voices matter.

In collaboration with Urban Nest, the Youth Centre in Krivogaštani hosted the mental health workshop “Between Thought and Feeling”, led by Marija Adžioska Dunimagloski, a licensed psychologist and founder of the “Growth and Development” Psychological Centre. The workshop created a space for young people to talk about their inner world and explored practical ways to achieve a calmer mind, better emotional regulation, and a healthier relationship with oneself.

From caring for their own wellbeing to taking an active role in their community, the celebration continued in Prilep, where Europe House Bitola supported the local Youth Council Prilep in organizing both the formal and informal parts of the event.

Through a moderated panel discussion, young people had the opportunity to learn more about local youth initiatives, exchange ideas and experiences, and take part directly in conversations about issues that matter to them.

After the discussion, the evening continued in a more relaxed spirit, with table tennis, socializing, and a DJ set by Emily Nas.

The two activities once again showed that young people need different, but equally important, opportunities – for conversation and self-reflection, for socializing and having fun, but also for active participation and making a contribution to their communities.

That is why we are here – to help build communities where every young person can feel connected, supported and free to develop and fulfil their potential.

Healing Hike – A Step Closer to Nature and the Heritage of Šar Mountain

Posted on by Irena Hristov

A day on Šar Mountain that was about much more than just hiking.

From Sidolski Kamen, through the traditional summer sheepfolds in Šipkovica, and all the way to Guri i Llopëve, Healing Hike gave us an opportunity to step away from the city rush, slow down, and reconnect with nature, the local community and the rich heritage of Šar Mountain.

Our hike began at Sidolski Kamen, with the trail continuing towards the summer sheepfolds in Šipkovica. There, local guide and professor Nedžbedin Haliti shared stories and insights into the history, traditions and significance of the sheepfolds, as well as the botanical garden.

The trail then continued towards Kamenot na Kravite, with every step opening up a new view of the mountain and its landscape.

But Healing Hike was about more than following a trail. It was about connection – with nature, with local stories and with the people around us. About those moments when we stop, look around and experience a place through all its layers – natural, cultural and human.

It is through experiences like these that we build and nurture the values that connect us: togetherness, care for nature and respect for cultural heritage.

Because sometimes, to reconnect with ourselves, all we need is to take a few steps closer to nature.

Healing Hike was organized by Europe House Tetovo, UNSHMT and the Tetovo Mountaineering Club, with the support of the Municipality of Tetovo.

RAVEL: Unravel by Herzel – A Contemporary Take on Ravel’s Music Comes to Struga

Posted on by Irena Hristov

What happens when the music of Maurice Ravel is seen through the lens of an artist rooted in contemporary electronic music?

That is exactly the experience offered by Aleksandar Grozdanovski, aka Herzel, who brought “RAVEL: Unravel” to Struga’s Poetry Park — an unconventional musical performance that reimagined the work of one of the 20th century’s most influential composers for a contemporary audience.

For more than a century, Ravel’s music has reached far beyond the traditional boundaries of classical music. Known for its precision, rich sonic palette and daring ideas, his work continues to inspire musicians across genres around the world. These qualities provided the foundation for Herzel’s fresh take on Ravel’s music.

“RAVEL: Unravel” was neither a classical concert nor an electronic set. By bringing Ravel’s composition into dialogue with contemporary electronic production, Herzel created a fresh musical experience, offering audiences a new way to hear and experience Ravel’s music.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Drim Short Film Festival and supported by the French Institute in Skopje, Agence Consulaire de France in Bitola and Honorary Consul Kaliopa Stilinović, and Alliance Française de Bitola.

This performance is part of a broader effort to introduce French cultural heritage to new audiences through contemporary artistic forms — giving music composed more than a century ago a chance to resonate in a fresh and unexpected way.

From an Old T-Shirt to a New Story: “Wear Your Art” Brings Creativity and Sustainability Together

Posted on by Irena Hristov

What if an old T-shirt could become a canvas for a new story?

That was the idea behind Wear Your Art, a creative pop-up workshop organized by Europe House Strumica in collaboration with Gnezdo from Kočani, Tomislav and Simon. The workshop gave old T-shirts a whole new life — instead of ending up as waste, they were transformed into unique pieces of clothing.

Using textile paints and specially designed stencils, participants created their own designs inspired by some of the most endangered animal species in North Macedonia and across the Balkans — the Balkan lynx, griffon vulture, Dalmatian pelican, Eurasian otter, brown bear and Balkan chamois.

Each print was more than just a piece of art. It was a reminder that creativity can be a powerful way not only to talk about sustainability and nature conservation, but also to put these values into practice.

And the need for ideas like these is growing. Globally, around 92 million tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills every year. Much of the clothing we throw away can be given a second life — as something new, with a new purpose or a new story.

Wear Your Art showed that sustainability does not have to be a serious topic of conversation. It can be creative, fun and personal — something that starts with an individual choice and carries a personal touch.

“Paint and Connect” – One Composition, Different Artistic Interpretations

Posted on by Irena Hristov

What happens when the same composition is seen through different eyes? – Different stories emerge, with different colors, perspectives and forms of artistic expression.

Amid colors, shapes and conversations, Europe House Bitola created a space for connection, self-expression and discovering one’s own creative perspective through the “Paint and Connect” workshop.

Participants had the opportunity to explore different ways of visual expression, experiment with styles and techniques and, above all, enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The workshop centred around one shared composition set up in the space, which each participant translated onto the canvas in their own way. Inspired by Cubism, Expressionism, Pop Art, Surrealism and Abstract Art, participants created different interpretations of the same scene – each with its own style, perspective and personal touch.

Different styles and perspectives – one shared composition.

And perhaps that was the most beautiful message of the workshop: sometimes, we do not need to change the picture in front of us. We simply need to look at it from a different angle.

From Peaks to Paws – Turning Old Climbing Ropes into New Dog Leashes

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Sometimes, something old and worn-out can be turned into something useful, beautiful and ready for a new story.

That is exactly what we achieved at the creative upcycling workshop “From Peaks to Paws”, organized by Europe House Skopje at Middle Vodno, in collaboration with the Skopje Mountaineering Club and Laika Public Enterprise – Skopje.

Every climbing rope has a limited lifespan. Once it is no longer safe to use for climbing, it usually becomes waste. But its story does not have to end there.

At the workshop, ropes that had completed their mission on the rocks were given a new purpose – as strong and colorful leashes for dogs cared for at Laika.

Through creative work and hands-on skills, participants showed that the circular economy does not have to remain just an idea or a concept. It can start with something we already have, a little creativity and the willingness to give new value to something that would otherwise end up as waste.

And the best part of the story came at the end – participants made a total of 53 leashes, and the dogs from Laika had the chance to choose their own new leash.

With every leash made, we helped reduce waste, turned old material into something useful, and contributed to better care for animals in need.

Thank you to everyone who cut, braided, learned, donated and shared their time and knowledge.

Because the circular economy can start with small changes. In this case – with a few old ropes and an idea to give them a new life and a new purpose.

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