Irina Lazarova from Skopje is a film producer who works in the visual effects (VFX) industry in Skopje and brings with her not only extensive experience, but also a feminist spirit. She explains to Sloboden Pechat what it's like for women in an industry that is largely dominated by men.

FX3X, the largest visual effects and animation studio in Southeast Europe, was founded in 1997 in Skopje by Kristijan Danilovski and Milivoje Đorđević. The studio is known for its work on major Hollywood productions such as "Everest", "Terminator 4: Salvation", "Spectre", "Spider-Man", "Far From Home" and "Sonic: The Hedgehog 3", as well as many other famous films.

After extensive film experience as a production coordinator and executive producer of Macedonian short and feature films, Lazarova joined this company in 2018, where she works as a production coordinator in the visual effects industry.

– Being a woman in the visual effects industry is interesting. In the world, 21,6% are women, while around 78% are men. Men are the ones who started working in this profession much earlier and therefore hold the most supervisory positions – explains Lazarova.

She adds that the number of women from Macedonia joining this industry is growing.

– We can boast that in the last 5 years there has been a really greater interest and growth of women in the visual effects industry, both in production, that is, what I do, and in other positions, that is, compositing artists, CGI, animation – says Lazarova.

She has had an interest in the industry and films since she was eight years old. She recalled when her father took her to the filming of one of the most successful Macedonian films of the time, "Balkan Khan."

– That's when I knew I wanted to become a film producer – adds Lazarova.

She says that after FX3X joined the Cinesite group in 2022, she had the opportunity to work on some of the most popular and largest productions such as the Star Trek series and Marvel films.

– At FX3X, we work on many famous productions. Our professionals have been present in the industry for more than two decades and we are proud to be a part of such great films – adds Lazarova.

It seems that even though she works in a male-dominated industry, she has managed to find her place and overcome the challenges that women face in this field. And what makes her most happy is the fact that her young daughter admires her work.

– My daughter is starting to understand what I'm working on. And I find it very interesting when she shares it with her friends: "Mom works on films and cartoons," adds Lazarova.

As a final message, Irina encourages all women who want specific professions.

– I am happy to live in a time when you can truly be who you want to be. When we as women are more free than ever to express ourselves and become who we want to become – explains Lazarova.