The Macedonian film wins the Grand Prix, highlighting the struggles of siblings in post-Communist Macedonia.
Milcho Manchevski’s film, Sister Brother Manhole Cover, has been awarded the prestigious Tokyo Grand Prix at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, which concluded on November 4, 2026. The film, a comic allegory set in post-Communist Macedonia, follows two siblings who make a living by stealing bronze busts and manhole covers, ultimately leading them into the depths of the Macedonian underworld.
The award comes with a cash prize of $19,000 (JPY 3 million), recognising the film’s unique storytelling and cultural significance. The festival, which ran from October 26 to November 4, showcased a diverse range of films, with Sister Brother Manhole Cover standing out among 15 competitors in the main section.
In addition to Manchevski’s win, the festival also honoured Argentine director Lisandro Alonso with the Best Director award for his film Double Freedom, which explores the life of a solitary woodcutter faced with personal challenges. The acting awards were claimed by Hu Ling for Best Actress in The Night That Binds Us and Narita Ryo for Best Actor in Two Cigarettes, Three Nights.
Other notable awards included the Special Jury Prize awarded to Singapore’s Magic Atlas, directed by Sun Xun, and the Audience Award, which went to Romanian filmmaker Teodora Ana Mihai’s Heysel 85.
The festival’s jury, led by Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer, included prominent figures from the film industry, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries. The Tokyo International Film Festival continues to be a significant platform for filmmakers, celebrating both established and emerging talents in the global cinema landscape.
