Honoring Rusi Chanev in Burgas: Two Evenings Dedicated to His Talent

BURGAS – The NHC Cultural Center is preparing to welcome admirers of one of Bulgaria’s greatest actors, Rusi Chanev. Two consecutive evenings, on September 23 and 24, will be dedicated to his extraordinary work, offering the public a rare opportunity to once again connect with the spirit and magic of his talent.

The event begins on September 23 at 7:00 PM with a screening of the restored version of the landmark Bulgarian film, "Advantage". The film, which has become a classic, features one of Rusi Chanev's most brilliant performances, demonstrating his depth and ability to create unforgettable characters. The screening is not only a tribute to his role but also a testament to the timeless value of Bulgarian cinema.

The following day, September 24, at 5:30 PM, a documentary about the actor, titled "An Actor's Soul", will be presented. The film, directed by Ema Konstantinova, with a screenplay by Georgi Toshev and cinematography by Stefan N. Shterev, promises to unravel the puzzle of a life dedicated to art. This intimate 44-minute production is not just a chronological account of a career but an emotional journey into the essence of the artist.

The film explores not only Rusi Chanev's iconic roles and brilliant performances but also his philosophy of art, his dedication, and the power of the stage as destiny. Through the stories of his colleagues and friends, who best know the depth of his talent and his human essence, the film creates a portrait of an exceptional person.

The film's camera returns to the actor's roots in his hometown of Burgas—the city where his first dreams of the stage were born. Dreams that later became a reality on the biggest theatrical stages and in successful film productions. This return to the beginning underscores the connection between the place where dreams are born and the heights that can be reached with talent and dedication.

"An Actor's Soul" is presented as a portrait of a man with a mission—to inspire, to search, and to give meaning through art. The film is an intimate story about Rusi Chanev—an actor with an immense soul, whose characters and words continue to live on beyond time. He leaves behind dozens of unforgettable roles in film and theater, including the cult classics "Measure for Measure", "Advantage", and "Masculine Times", as well as iconic productions at the National Theatre. Chanev is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious "Askeer" award for lifetime achievement.

The production by "ARO+" from 2025 was created with the support of the Municipality of Burgas and the Sofia Culture Program, which highlights the public significance of the event and the respect for the great actor's work. The two evenings at the NHC Cultural Center offer the Burgas public not just screenings but an opportunity to remember and honor an artist who left a profound mark not only with his talent but also with his human depth.