Sister Brother Manhole Cover () is an upcoming comedy-drama film directed and written by Milcho Manchevski. The film is a satire of North Macedonian society, depicting a brother and sister who make a living by selling manhole covers to a scrap dealer.
The film will have its world premiere in International competition at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival on 30 October 2026.
Synopsis Malina and Viktor, a brother and sister, live on the outskirts of post-Communist Macedonia and make a living by stealing bronze busts of national heroes and selling them as scrap. Malina is practical and resourceful but has a bad heart, while Viktor is strong, simple-minded, and devoted to his sister. Their lives change when a stolen bronze bust slips from Viktor's hands and seriously injures his foot. A doctor is called to treat him, but he demands sexual favors from Malina as payment. Faced with his corruption and abuse, Malina takes desperate action, forcing the siblings to flee. Their escape takes them through scrapyards, mountain roads, and abandoned industrial areas. Along the way, they encounter a harsh world shaped by poverty, neglect, and broken social values. Eventually, they find unexpected shelter in the luxurious home of the doctor's blind mother, where their difficult journey takes an unexpected turn.
Cast
Sara Klimoska as Malina Filip Trajković as Viktor Sonja Mihajlova Petar Mirčevski Jordan Simonov Dejan Lilić Jasmina Vasileva Stefan Nikolovski Kalina Naumovska Ana Kostovska Ivan Gjoševski Viktor Arsov Marina Pop Pankova
Release
Sister Brother Manhole Cover will be screened for the World Premiere on 30 October 2026, in the Competition section of the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, where it competes for Tokyo Grand Prix.
Rome-based Coccinelle Film Sales acquired the International sales rights of the film in May 2026.
Accolades Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient Result Tokyo International Film Festival 4 November 2026 Tokyo Grand Prix Sister Brother Manhole Cover
References
External links