Sequel Announcement at Sarajevo Film Festival
During a press conference at the Sarajevo Film Festival the director confirmed that production on a follow up to her 2019 Berlinale entry has officially begun. The new project, tentatively titled Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity), will continue the critical eye on gender roles that defined the original film.
What We Know About the New Film
The sequel is written by Mitevska in collaboration with screenwriter Elma Tataragić, the same partnership that produced the first screenplay. While the original story followed a young woman navigating a patriarchal village, the upcoming narrative shifts focus to a middle‑aged protagonist named Petra who confronts the pressures of traditional masculinity.
Core Plot Elements
- Petra, a former athlete, returns to her hometown after a career‑ending injury.
- The film examines how expectations of strength and stoicism affect her personal relationships.
- Interwoven vignettes highlight the experiences of men who also feel trapped by societal norms.
Key Themes
Critics anticipate that the sequel will deepen the conversation about gender by exploring:
- The social construction of masculinity in Balkan societies.
- The intersection of personal trauma and cultural expectations.
- Humor as a tool for exposing hypocrisy.
Continuity with the Original Film
Both titles share a satirical tone that blends absurdity with stark realism. The original God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya earned a place in the Berlinale 2019 competition, where it was praised for its bold visual style and unflinching critique of patriarchy. Mitevska plans to retain the same visual language, using long takes and natural lighting to create an intimate atmosphere.
Returning Creative Team
In addition to Tataragić, cinematographer Goran Stojanovski is set to return, ensuring a seamless visual transition between the two films. Composer Vlatko Gjorcev will provide a new score that mixes traditional Macedonian instruments with contemporary electronic textures.
Production Timeline and Funding
Pre‑production began in early 2024 with location scouting across the Macedonian countryside. The film has secured financing from the Macedonian Film Fund and a co‑production agreement with a Serbian independent studio.
Principal photography is slated for the summer of 2025, with post‑production expected to conclude by early 2026. The team aims to submit the finished work to major European festivals, following the path of its predecessor.
Anticipated Festival Strategy
Given the success of the first film on the international circuit, the sequel’s producers are targeting the following festivals for its premiere:
- Venice International Film Festival
- Cannes Film Festival – Directors' Fortnight
- Toronto International Film Festival
Securing a slot at any of these events would boost the film’s visibility and increase its chances for awards consideration.
Why the Sequel Matters for Balkan Cinema
The original film helped put contemporary Macedonian cinema on the map, proving that stories rooted in local culture can resonate globally. By tackling the anatomy of masculinity, the sequel promises to expand the dialogue about gender in a region where traditional roles remain deeply entrenched.
Industry observers note that the film could inspire a new wave of socially engaged storytelling from the Balkans. As Mitevska's career continues to evolve, her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths positions her as a leading voice for progressive cinema in Southeast Europe.
Fans of the original can look forward to a fresh perspective that maintains the sharp wit and visual inventiveness that made God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya a standout. With a strong creative team, solid funding, and a clear festival plan, the sequel is poised to become another milestone for Macedonian film.
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