The film begins on the last day in prison for Bobby. His prison officer suggests he finds something he loves and swaps it for his habit of stealing. He offers to swap stolen goods with people he meets. The absurd swaps seem to add value to his life. He gets a girlfriend, a job and a life. But the tragedy leads to a black hole, until finally, when a small girl falls in front of a moving train, he makes the final swap of his life.

The director, a former mathematician, said the film reflects his own need for chaos and order at the same time. He explained how the film has a geometric sort of structure, while treating the audience to a range of mathematical terminology. The film, produced by Fragment Film, will have a meditative quality, slow-burning with steady shots and without unnecessary editing.

Swap is the director’s second feature film. His 2017 debut film Secret Ingredient won numerous awards and represented North Macedonia as its Oscar bid. The budget will be under 1 m EUR.

Production information:

Fragment Film (North Macedonia)

Credits:
Director Gjorce Stavreski