Would You Look at Her

For not conforming to the norms for boys and girls as they exist in conservative Macedonia, Aneta is labelled a lesbian. And thus subject to bullying and a constant stream of verbal abuse from the local population of teen boys. On top of that, her best friend chooses safety over friendship, leaving Aneta to fend for herself. Things aren’t any better at home, with a sick father and a busted television.

The prospect of an annual tradition offers a chance of relief: the priest will bless a wooden cross and toss it into the river, and whoever is the first to get it out, wins a brand new TV and the respect of the village. Driven by a combination of anger, sense of justice and smarts, Aneta decides to become the first girl to ever enter the contest.

Nicole Santé