In Pauline Blanchet’s North Macedonian production Big in Gazi Baba, we follow Sadije, a 14-year-old wrestling champion who must navigate expectations to fulfil a male role, defying traditional gender norms and ethnic barriers in her isolated Albanian-Muslim community.
“Through an observational lens, we watch Sadije (14) navigate the gruelling years of puberty, straddling the expectations placed on her by her Albanian-Muslim community and her ambitions as a wrestler,” Blanchet tells BDE. “Set in North Macedonia, where ethnic tensions between the Albanian-Muslim minority and the Macedonian majority remain questionable, the film uses the journey of Sadije as a microcosm of larger societal challenges. Her journey is not just a personal battle but a reflection of larger societal and political issues, such as ethnic discrimination and gender roles in post-conflict North Macedonia.”
In a world where movements for gender equality and minority rights are of high importance, Big in Gazi Babastands out as a timely narrative “that pushes the conversation forward,” she continues. “For international stakeholders, this film offers a rare glimpse into an isolated, underserved community, creating an opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue around equality, inclusion, and representation. This film will resonate with audiences across the globe who are drawn to stories of underrepresented communities rising against overwhelming odds, making it a vital tool for sparking both emotional and intellectual engagement. The power of this film lies in its ability to tell a deeply human story that reflects the global issues of representation, equality, and the pursuit of autonomy.”
The film has a personal undertow for Blanchet. “Having navigated male-dominated spaces myself, such as being the only girl on an all-boys football team in my youth, I connect with Sadije on a personal level. This lived experience allows me to direct with empathy, ensuring that stories of marginalised individuals are told with dignity, nuance, and respect.”
“As a director, my strengths lie in the ability to connect deeply with my protagonists, capture intimate and nuanced moments, and weave together complex narratives that explore the intersections of identity, culture, and society. I have a deep commitment to ethical storytelling, ensuring that the voices of those I work with are authentically represented, while maintaining a cinematic style that is immersive and engaging.”
At Sarajevo, Blanchet is looking for funders who share her “vision and passion” for the € 316,025 budget project, to help “push” it through its production. “Additionally, I’m eager to receive feedback on the trajectory and narrative arc of the story, especially considering its layered and complex themes surrounding identity, gender, and tradition,” she says. “Understanding how the film’s message will resonate with both regional and international audiences is crucial, and insights from industry experts will be invaluable in refining the story’s presentation.”
She is also keen to connect with festival contacts who can help position the film on the global stage, as well as engage with fellow filmmakers and other projects from the region. “The Balkan context is rich with stories of identity, conflict, and resilience, and learning from others who are working in similar spaces will be incredibly inspiring,” the director/producer stresses.
The cinematic style of Big in Gazi Baba will be rooted in an observational, vérité approach, capturing the raw and intimate moments of Sadije’s life with authenticity, Blanchet adds. “Handheld, close-up shots will dominate the film’s emotional beats, allowing the audience to feel the physicality of Sadije’s world—whether it’s the gruelling intensity of wrestling practice or the intimate tensions within her family home.”
“In contrast, wide shots of the neighbourhood of Gazi Baba will place Sadije within the broader context of her community. The dense, urban streets with their layered textures of graffiti, tight alleyways, and crowded market stalls, will be framed in wide, static shots that emphasise her physical and social confinement. The visual language of the film will juxtapose the vibrant yet restrictive environment of her community with the open, aspirational world of wrestling.”
Big in Gazi Baba is selected for the Main Pitch of AJD Industry, September 14.
