Macedonian filmmaker Gjorce Stavreski has already won multiple awards for his documentary "Adam and Eve" and his short fiction films. His poignantly funny debut fiction feature "Secret Ingredient" is a balance between dark comedy and drama.

Vele (Blagoj Veselinov) lives on the outskirts of Skopje in an apartment with his father Sazdo (Anastas Tanovski) who is suffering from an aggressive form of lung cancer. Vele is trying to help him, but unfortunately he can’t afford to buy him the expensive medication he needs.

After preventing his father from committing suicide, Vele decides that he should act fast. So, he turns to unconventional methods that include homeopathic “memory-water”, placebos made from aspirin and cinnamon, he even attempts to rob a pharmacy without success. His hopes change when he finds a big package of marijuana. He soon discovers the impacts that weed may have on pain in cancer patients.

Vele decides to bake a pie with his “secret ingredient” and offer it to his father, who will seem to miraculously recover. This immediate change will draw attention from the neighborhood as everyone wants to try this miracle pie and asks for the recipe. At the same time, the gangsters that lost their package start searching for it. Vele already knows that time is not on his side and he tries to offer his dad company and memorable moments.

With a great cast and an enjoyable script, "Secret Ingredient" is a pure Balkan tragicomic discovery that offers a complete heart-warming glimpse into a sensitive subject. This could become an instant festival favourite.

Vassilis Economou