Bulgarian Films Head to Venice Festival

Culture 22 July 2025 23:00

Made in EU, the latest feature by Bulgarian director Stephan Komandarev, will have its world premiere at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival. The film was selected for the Spotlight section, which highlights eight innovative and artistically bold titles. Each screening will be followed by audience discussions, with viewers voting for the Armani Beauty Audience Award, CE Report quotes BTA

Komandarev celebrated the achievement, noting that his films have now been featured at all three major European festivals—Berlin, Cannes, and Venice.

The film follows Iva, a seamstress in a small town, who is scapegoated during a local health crisis. It was filmed across Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Madan, and Rudozem, and stars Gergana Pletnyova and Todor Kotsev, among others. Made in EU will also open Bulgaria’s Kinomania Festival on November 13 and hit cinemas nationally on November 21.

Also heading to Venice is Unavailable, a short film co-produced by Ukraine, France, Belgium, and Bulgaria. Directed by Kyrylo Zemlianyi, it tells the story of an 18-year-old boy searching for his mother in war-torn Ukraine. The project was supported by Sofia Municipality and completed with post-production help from Bulgaria’s 5th Degree studio.

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Herrmann to Play at Jam on the River

22 July 22:10

German cellist and composer Christopher Herrmann will perform alongside Greek qanun player Eleanna Pitsikaki at the Jam on the River International Music and Arts Festival in Debnevo, near Troyan, Bulgaria, on July 31.