The 17th Annual Bulgarian Film Festival in Prague returns from 26th to 29th March, showcasing a diverse selection of contemporary Bulgarian films. With a focus on the theme “The Heart Does Not Ask the Head,” this year’s programme celebrates powerful stories, emerging female directors, and a tribute to artist Alzek Misheff. Join us at the Lucerna Cinema for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
From Wednesday to Saturday (26th-29th March), the Lucerna Cinema in Prague will host the regular showcase of contemporary Bulgarian films. The selection of films revolves around this year’s theme, “The Heart Does Not Ask the Head” For us, film is a matter of the heart, which is why we bring to Prague each year what has been produced in the Bulgarian film scene. This year, after a long hiatus, we return to documentary film with a tribute to Alzek Misheff. More and more women are emerging in the spotlight of Bulgarian cinema, and at this year’s festival, we will welcome three female directors: Magdalena Ralčevová, Jana Lekarska, and Maria Averina.
The festival will kick off on Wednesday, 26th March, with the film Without Wings (Bez krila). Director Niki Iliev and lead actress Stefani Obadiaru will present the film, which is inspired by the life story of disabled Bulgarian athlete Michail Christov. As a teenager, Michail Christov suffered a life-changing accident, losing both of his arms. Despite his fate, he worked relentlessly on himself. His indomitable spirit eventually led him to the Paralympics, where he went on to become a three-time world champion in the long jump.
On Thursday, the festival will transport visitors to 19th-century Bulgaria through the film The Wedding (Svatba), based on a short story by writer Nikolai Chaytov. Director Magdalena Ralčevová, along with lead actors Ralica Stojanova and Radoslav Vladimirov, will share insights into the making of this period drama. The story, penned by one of Bulgaria’s greatest writers, will captivate the audience with breathtaking shots of the Rodopi Mountains.
The third evening of the festival will feature the feature-length debut of director Jana Lekarska, Because I Adore Bad Weather (Zaštoto običam lošoto vreme). Along with the director, actress Boryana Puncheva-Petkova will be present to meet the audience.
The programme will culminate on Saturday, 29th March, with two screenings. In the afternoon, we will present the documentary Flying with Fins (Da letiš s plavnici), about the legend of visual art, Alzek Misheff. In the early 1970s, Alzek emigrated to Italy, where he became famous for his projects and performances. His energy and power are literally contagious, leaping off the screen to the audience. Director Maria Averina will share more about filming with this exceptional artist.
The festival will conclude on Saturday evening with a screening of Tarika (Stadoto), directed by Milko Lazarov. The film will be introduced by producer Veselka Kiryakova and actor Ivan Savov, who plays the role of the mayor who, for the well-being of his citizens, is willing to cross any moral boundary.
For more information, visit bki.cz. All films are screened in their original language with Czech and English subtitles. Tickets are on sale online or at the box office at the Lucerna Cinema.
17th Annual Bulgarian Film Festival in Prague
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