Milcho Manchevski’s new film “Sister Brother Manhole Cover” will have its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The dark comedy centers on Malina and Viktor, a sister and brother who live hand-to-mouth at the edges of Macedonian society. They steal bronze busts and manhole covers to survive, and Variety has debuted the trailer for the movie.
The film, which Manchevski wrote and directed, follows the pair as their chaotic path leads them to a wealthy elderly woman who is blind. Her mix of hardness and kindness forces Malina and Viktor to examine their own sense of right and wrong, and what it means to be devoted to someone.
The Premiere in Tokyo
The film will open in competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Francesca Breccia’s Coccinelle Film Sales is handling international sales for the project, and will start selling it to buyers during Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market.
Manchevski first drew international attention with “Before the Rain,” which won the Golden Lion at Venice alongside the Fipresci Prize. That film also earned an Academy Award nomination for best foreign-language film. His later features include “Dust,” the opening-night film at Venice, as well as “Mothers” and “Willow.”
His last feature, “Kaymak,” also bowed in the festival’s competition.
The Cast and Crew
Sara Klimoska and Filip Trajkovikj lead the cast. Sonja Mihajlova is also on board. Jane Kortoshev is the producer.
Manchevski spoke about the film’s approach to storytelling. “Our anti-heroes defiantly refuse to identify as victims,” he said. He also addressed the film’s central relationship. “I was interested in telling a story of great love and unconditional acceptance that is not erotic,” he added.
The director’s earlier work established him as a major voice in international cinema. “Before the Rain” remains his signature achievement, combining a Golden Lion win with the Fipresci Prize and an Oscar nomination. His later features have kept him active at Venice, where “Dust” opened the festival.
The Dark Comedy’s Setup
Malina and Viktor are not victims. They are thieves, and they do not apologize for it. The film’s title, “Sister Brother Manhole Cover,” sets the tone for a story about people who make their living by taking things that belong to others.
Their target is bronze busts and manhole covers. That detail sets the tone. These are not grand thefts.
The pair’s path eventually brings them to a wealthy elderly woman who is blind. That meeting changes everything. The woman’s mix of hardness and kindness forces Malina and Viktor to look at their own behavior in a new light. What does it mean to be devoted to someone? What does it mean to be right?
The Sales Schedule
Coccinelle Film Sales handles international sales for the project. The company will use the Busan market to find buyers for the film. The Japanese festival itself provides the world premiere platform, putting the movie in front of audiences before it travels to other markets.
| Event | Location | Role |
|---|---|---|
| World premiere | Tokyo | Main competition |
| Sales push | Busan | Asian Contents & Film Market |
A Director Returning to Tokyo
Manchevski has spent decades building a career marked by major festival wins and critical acclaim. “Before the Rain” remains the high point, but his later work has continued to find success at Venice.
“Dust” opened the festival, and “Mothers” and “Willow” followed. His last feature, “Kaymak,” also bowed in the festival’s competition, making “Sister Brother Manhole Cover” his second trip to the festival.
The new film continues that pattern. It is a dark comedy about two thieves, but it is also a story about devotion and morality. Manchevski has said he wanted to explore love and acceptance without falling into erotic territory.
The premiere in Tokyo gives the film a global stage.
Source material: “Venice Golden Lion Winner Milcho Manchevski’s ‘Sister Brother Manhole Cover’ Heads to Tokyo for World Premiere, Trailer Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE),” Variety.
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