In the early 2010s, Macedonia faced major challengesas a new country, still not recognized by Greece and struggling to join the EU.While its national identity was questioned by all neighboring states, thegovernment launched Skopje 2014. Triumphal arches, temples, memorials, over 40new monumental buildings, 75 new statues and fountains were realized imitatingancient 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 monumentalpublic spaces defined by the neoclassical architectures. Ordinary people areasked to read passages from ancient Greek literature about palaces and templeswhile working in public spaces next to these new buildings. Amidst this surrealbackdrop, the film also reveals the paradox of some of these buildings - stillunfinished and already showing signs of decay.

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Articles:

The Hundred Columns of Skopje – Writing Urban Places – COST Action CA18126. (2023, June 15).

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