Filmmaker Goran Stolevski delivers a story exploring the universal truths of family, both the ones we’re born into and the ones we find for ourselves.

Housekeeping for Beginners follows Dita, who never wanted to be a mother. Yet circumstances force her to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters, tiny troublemaker Mia and rebellious teen Vanesa.

The story turns into a heartfelt drama. A battle of wills ensues as the three continue to butt heads and become an unlikely family that must fight to stay together.

The foreign film in subtitles includes Anamaria Marinca, Alina Serban, Samson Selim, Vladimir Tintor, Mia Mustafa, Dzada Selim, Sara Klimoska, Rozafë Çelaj, and Ajse Useini.

“I’ve always been drawn to moments that feel ‘found’ or ‘discovered’ as opposed to ‘staged.’ A lot of my filmmaking background has, from necessity, been built around shoestring budgets and skeleton crews. I’ve embraced this reality, developing a ‘verité’ style that has now become an important element of my work. I am a big believer in working with what’s there, rather than against it — assessing the means at my disposal and shaping the most exciting imaginable story around them,” explains Stolevski.

Films by Goran Stolevski:
Of an Age
You Won’t Be Alone
Would You Look at Her