God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya

32-year-old Petrunya studied history and lives with her parents in a small town in the Republic of Macedonia (nowadays Republic of North Macedonia). As a historian, her job prospects are poor. That's why her mother forces her to look for work, which includes dubious meetings with repulsive employers. When one of these potential bosses tells Petrunya after the interview that she is too old and ugly, and that with her history degree she is not even fit to be a seamstress, she subsequently gives vent to her frustration. By chance, she encounters a procession leading to the river. It is Epiphany Day, and traditionally on this day the priest throws a blessed cross into the water during the Great Consecration of the Waters. Young men jump into the icy waters to dive after it. Happiness, joy and prosperity are guaranteed to the one who brings it back. But this time Petrunya also jumps into the river - and emerges with the cross in her hand. All hell breaks loose, and her heroic deed is considered a real scandal. But Petrunya holds on to the cross. She has won it and will not give it up. GOD EXISTS, HER NAME IS PETRUNYA had its world premiere in competition at the 2019 Berlinale, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize and the Guild Film Award. At the International Women's Film Festival Dortmund/Cologne 2019, the film was awarded the main prize.