Private Project

The Hundred Columns of Skopje

In the early 2010s, Macedonia faced major challenges as a new country, still not recognized by Greece and struggling to join the EU. While its national identity was questioned by all neighboring states, the government launched Skopje 2014. Triumphal arches, temples, memorials, over 40 new monumental buildings, 75 new statues and fountains were realized imitating ancient Hellenic heritage.

In less than five years, Skopje was entirely changed, adopting out of nowhere the image of an ancient Hellenic city. The movie captures the everyday life of Skopje’s inhabitants next to the empty monumental public spaces defined by the neoclassical architectures.
Ordinary people read passages from ancient Greek literature about royal palaces and temples while working in public spaces against a surreal backdrop of monumental buildings - still unfinished and already showing signs of decay.

  • Antonio Paoletti
    Director
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 19, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Netherlands
  • Language:
    Macedonian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Istanbul International Architecture and Urban Films Festvial
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 25, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director - Antonio Paoletti