Dina Duma film explores Roma women's struggles and social freedom

The film ‘Skateboarding is Not for Girls’, written and directed by Dina Duma, explores themes of discrimination, gender stereotypes, and the limited societal space afforded to women, particularly within the Roma community. The narrative follows three Roma women in North Macedonia—a mother, Esma, and her daughters, Aida and Zara—as they navigate poverty and the absence of a male figure in their household.

Set in the Šutka settlement of Skopje, the story highlights the struggle for survival and the threat of arranged child marriage as financial instability increases. The film uses skateboarding as a metaphor for the desire for freedom and the defiance of social boundaries. It was recently screened at the 39th Herceg Novi Montenegro Film Festival, receiving positive reception for its portrayal of the universal challenges faced by women.