Interview

INTERVIEW: NIKOLA RISTANOVSKI, WINNER OF THE ALEKSANDAR LIFKA AWARD

I am proud of this recognition

If I were to make a list of my role models and those who inspire me, it would definitely include the winners of the Aleksandar Lifka Award Macedonian actor Nikola Ristanovski is the winner of the Aleksandar Lifka Award for his contribution to regional cinematography. This charismatic artist began his career on the big screen more than 30 years ago and has played 40 roles to date, such as those in the films: CABARET BALKAN, MONTEVIDEO, THE BLACK PIN, THE LIBERATION OF SKOPJE. We look forward to seeing him in Vuk Ršumović’s new film DWELLING AMONG THE GODS. You are the third winner of the Aleksandar Lifka Award for contribution to regional cinematography. Previously it was Milena Zupančič and Igor Galo.

What does this recognition given by the European Film Festival mean to you?

This award means a lot to me, because of the importance of the festival, because of Aleksandar Lifka, because of Milena Zupančič and Igor Galo, and because of the region. The news both surprised me and delighted me, because it proves to me that I am a part of some film stories that mean something to people. If I were to make a list of my role models and those who inspire me, it would definitely include the winners of the Aleksandar Lifka Award. That is another reason why I am proud of this recognition.

You have a parallel career in film and theatre. Is both important to you?

Of course, I am interested in both theatre and film, since each involves telling a story, which is, to me, the important part. They differ only in technology, but the essence is the same. I have a need for both.

What governs you today, as a mature artist, to accept or decline a part?

I think it’s the humanity of the character. I am interested in living people with virtues and flaws, people in dilemmas, in conflict with themselves and the world. People who are in a relationship with those around them, with their closest ones, devoid of any clichés and simplification, characters who, with their micro world, have a reason to be visible. I usually avoid stereotypical characters, that doesn’t appeal to me.

What are the challenges of being in film industry in the modern world?

The challenges were always great; as they are in life, and this branch is close to life. There must be a search for something higher, something better. We live in a time of fiction that moves away from living people and from stories that serve something. One should look for a story, deal with the reasons for man's happiness and unhappiness, the need for ideals, his suffering, his dissidence. People strive towards calculations, target groups. Being an artist has always been difficult. Think with your head, feel with your heart, defend your point of view, do not conform to trends. That's why authorship is more and more complex. I admire free people who tell stories outside the box. They should be supported in that.

Jelena Knežević