Goran Stolevski, known for his film “Of an Age,” drew inspiration from his own experiences for his latest film, “Housekeeping for Beginners.” The film explores the LGBTQ+ experience through the story of Dita, a middle-aged social worker in North Macedonia. After her girlfriend Suada is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she asks Dita to adopt her two daughters. In order to keep their “found family” together, Dita attempts to marry one of her gay housemates, Toni, to pose as a heterosexual couple, as same-sex marriage is illegal in North Macedonia.
Stolevski, who was born in Macedonia but raised in Australia, originally intended for the film to take place in Australia. However, he shifted the setting to his birthplace to avoid making a period film. He wanted to capture the communal energy and specificities of Eastern and Southern Europe, where he believes queerness can be very different based on location. Stolevski encouraged improvisation from his experienced cast and brought in first-time screen actors for principal roles to keep the film rooted in authenticity.
“Housekeeping for Beginners” has received positive reviews, being praised as a “riveting domestic drama.” Stolevski’s work is compared to other modern queer cinema auteurs like Luca Guadagnino and Andrew Haigh. While he is tight-lipped about upcoming projects, he hints at exploring LGBTQ+ life in India and Korea. Stolevski aims for his films to have a lasting impact and wants to showcase the universal nature of queer experiences, rather than pigeonholing them as niche.
The film delves into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in North Macedonia, where discrimination against the community is still prevalent, and same-sex marriage is not legal. Dita and Toni struggle to navigate the legal system to keep their family together, while Vanesa, Suada’s daughter, deals with grief and rebellion. Through the characters’ experiences, Stolevski highlights the complexities and nuances of LGBTQ+ life in a society where acceptance is not always guaranteed.
Stolevski’s interest in documenting different time periods and locations shines through in “Housekeeping for Beginners,” as he captures the crowded, communal energy that shapes lives in Eastern and Southern Europe. The film explores themes of found family, love, loss, and the resilience of queer individuals in the face of adversity. By blending personal experiences with fictional narratives, Stolevski creates a compelling story that resonates with audiences beyond the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to showcase the universal nature of human emotions and experiences.
As Stolevski continues to explore LGBTQ+ stories in different cultural contexts, his work is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of queer cinema. By bringing authenticity and nuance to his storytelling, he aims to challenge stereotypes and offer a more inclusive representation of queer experiences on screen. “Housekeeping for Beginners” is just the beginning of what promises to be a rich and diverse body of work that celebrates the complexity and beauty of LGBTQ+ lives around the world.
