Film & Identity: “Gipsy Queen,” an Austrian-German co-production starring Romanian Roma actress Alina Șerban, spotlights Roma identity and courage as it follows a woman rebuilding her life after leaving Romania for Germany. Ohrid on Screen: The 9th Beach Film Festival in Ohrid crowned Czech/Slovak “Broken Voices / Sbormistr” with the Large Wave Award for Best Film, while Macedonian student “Tilting at Windmills” won the Small Wave – Student Award. Culture & Community: The first International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” opened in Bosilegrad with a parade and mass horo dance, bringing together folk ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Arts Loss: Skopje’s Drama Theatre mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, remembered for comedy roles and TV staples like “Macedonian Folk Tales” and “Scruffy Alphabet.” Heritage Watch: Lake Ohrid narrowly avoided UNESCO’s Danger List, but experts warn illegal construction, wastewater problems and shoreline damage still threaten the ecosystem. Faith & Influence: Civic activists say Russian influence in North Macedonia works through localized narratives and also affects the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s stance toward Ukraine’s Orthodox Church. Sports Culture: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with North Macedonia among new participants.